Despite the game ending in a 16-4 loss for the girls lacrosse team, Grace Leventhal (12) says the team put their best effort towards closing the gap in the score. 

The game was one the team was anxious about, a result of last year’s loss. As the game progressed, Leventhal explained that her anxiety surrounding the game faded, especially after coming to the conclusion that they should shift their focus from offensive to defensive.

“I was a little bit nervous because I know that last year we lost by a good amount to this team and throughout the game that continued.” Leventhal said. “Towards the end of the last quarter, I did better than that in the first quarter, so my nerves kind of went away. We kind of accepted the fact that this game was not going to end our way, so we just did the best we could to stop them from continuing to get a bigger lead on us which helped my nerves.”

According to Millie Barker (12), the opposition was fast which meant collaboration was something that the team needed to improve on in order to effectively beat teams like Francis Parker.

“[We need to focus] on figuring out how to work together better as a team throughout transitions because the team was really fast. It was hard for us to just run up the field with the ball without getting a turnover or getting the ball checked out of our stick.” Barker said. “So I think just figuring out how us as a team can work together and just collaborate better. “

For next time the teams face each other, Leventhal highlights the need for a more positive outlook on games and how they can affect not just one player, but the whole team.

“I think [I need to improve on] faking and placing my shots so that I’m not shooting directly where the goalie is able to save it and additionally just my mindset. Just because you miss one shot or your team overturns while you get to run back up the field, you gotta keep the positive energy, because especially as athletes, our teammates are looking up to us to send energy for the game. So, I think it’s important that we kind of keep a good mindset for everyone, not just ourselves.”