Squads from Division II are working hard to make improvements

Some girls lacrosse teams hope to compete for championships, but others have goals on a different level as the new Division II season begins to heat up.

"This year we all hope to improve our skills and play better as a team," Bountiful coach David Singer said. "We hope to appreciate the sport more as we go and to make it one of our higher priorities. We expect to do better than we have in past years and are excited to try and make that happen."

Ditto for the girls lacrosse team in Sandy.

"I have very high expectations for our team this year. We improved so much over the course of last season, and the improvement is continuing," Alta coach Megan Gorringe said. "My hopes are that we can compete with any team in the state this year and continue to build one of the top programs in Utah."

Playing with an eye on the playoffs is exactly what most teams are doing.

"If we can overcome some injuries to a few of our key players, we should be near the top," Juan Diego coach Larry Sanich said. "We had 38 athletes turn out for the team this year, and we are trying to mold them into a cohesive unit.

"They have shown steady improvement, and once we get over the injuries, we could be in position to contend for the playoffs again."

Here's a look at the girls Division II teams:

ALTA: The Hawks feature an experienced team with Brandi Cash and Karli Blum the senior leaders. Cash is an experienced goalie while Blum is a high-scoring attacker. Lindley Burton patrols the midfield while newcomers Danielle DeWaal and Taylor Dunn will provide the defense a nice boost.

BOUNTIFUL: The Braves did not enjoy a lot of success in 2006 but vow to be better this time. With Brooklyn Spencer, Emily Burton and Danielle Harding forming a good front line on offense and Dru Murray and Lindsey Burton taking care of the defense, Bountiful should have the players to improve.

COPPER HILLS: A relatively new team, the Grizzlies are showing signs of improvement but will likely need a little more experience before they climb the standings too far. Coach Dovetta Flowers' squad has taken a few tough losses in the preseason but hopes those lessons pay off when the regular season gets in full swing.

EAST: The Leopards are coached by Michelle Milne and hope to improve throughout the season after a couple of rough outings against Division I teams.

JUAN DIEGO: Siena Walker, Amanda Abraham and Laura Qualey return for the Soaring Eagle and should keep Juan Diego near the top of the rankings. Addy Hienz joins the team as does Jenna Speare and Haley Poulson for coach Larry Sanich.