SPHS JV Girls Enjoy Undefeated Lax Season

Posted Wednesday, June 30, 2021 4:23 pm

Not only did Severna Park High School’s JV girls lacrosse team go 9-0 in 2021, but they outscored opponents 130-23. That included shutouts over Chesapeake, Old Mill and Northeast.

The Falcons opened the season with an 11-3 win versus Broadneck. Sarah Stefancik led the team with four goals and the team dominated on the circle, winning eight of 12 draw controls. They played Broadneck a second time the following week (in lieu of Annapolis not fielding a JV this year) and won 10-6. Five Falcons scored in the rematch and another three assisted.

“Our girls played unselfishly and combined for 13 caused turnovers that game,” said Severna Park head coach Annie Houghton. “For a young team, composed of eight sophomores and 16 freshmen, I was very proud of how well they jelled so early on in the season.”

Samantha Koppe and Sara Kreis both had a great offensive game against Chesapeake, scoring three goals each, while Katie Griffith led with three assists. Amelia Goger thrived in the midfield with five draw controls and Ryn Feemster tallied three caused turnovers.

Severna Park played rival South River on May 21. The Falcons were up 9-0 at the half and won by a final score of 12-5. Allison Schiavone played solid in cage with seven saves.

“Seven players scored, showing the depth of our team and the willingness to pass and move the ball around, waiting for the right shot on cage,” Houghton said. “Emma Boyle caused two turnovers and Francesca Dunoyer nabbed four draw controls.”

The Falcons beat Southern 15-2. Berit Isenberg, who transitioned from defense to midfield, had one goal, one assist and three draw controls.

“Berit was a versatile player who was always willing to step up and play wherever I needed her,” Houghton said. “From a coach’s perspective, nothing says ‘teamwork’ more than this. All of our girls were willing to play any position if it brought the team success.”

Freshman Kate Evans was a leader on the Falcons’ attack. She had a season-high four assists in both the Southern and Arundel games. “Kate did a great job settling the ball, calling plays and feeding from behind the cage,” Houghton said.

Crofton jumped out to a 1-0 lead against Severna Park, scoring off of the first draw and play of the game, but the Falcons team answered right back. Evans scored minutes later, and from that point on, Severna Park held the lead for the remainder of the game. They led 6-2 at halftime and won with a final score of 10-5. Evans led with four goals, while Dunoyer had three and Kreis, Goger and Koppe had one goal apiece. The team collectively caused 10 turnovers and held the Cardinals to nine shots on goal.

“This was a really fun game to coach and for our fans to watch!” said Houghton, noting that it was Severna Park’s inaugural game against the new Crofton High School. “I look forward to this friendly rivalry and good competition for years to come.”

Maddie Sullivan had a season-high five assists against Northeast. “She is poised behind the cage and can thread the ball into the eight meter and find our cutters,” Houghton said.

Bella Joyce had four assists and one goal during the final game of the season versus Arundel, leading the offense in total points that game. “Bella is by far the most motivating person on our team,” Houghton said. “Ask anyone, if you want to get hyped up before a game, she's your go-to!”

Joyce served as a team captain in 2021 along with Abbigal Goodman and Emily Prensky, who was injured for the season.

A first-year goalie, Schiavone had a 54.9% save average. She converted from defense to goalie this year and did a tremendous job, according to Houghton.

“She communicated with our defense, was poised in cage and cleared the ball well,” Houghton said. “She was an asset to our team, and we owe much of our success to her!”

Houghton credited parents for their support and flexibility getting the girls to practices and games this season. She also praised her assistant coaches, Jenn Edwards and Paige Thumel, for making the season great.

Above all, Houghton was grateful to have a season.

“As a coach I am proud of our record and gameplay, but even more so of the relationships that our girls built and the support that they showed one another, both on and off the field,” Houghton said. “Our team came focused and ready to work hard at every practice and that transpired into great play during games. Great success doesn't come easy, but they were willing to put in the effort every day and it paid off.”