Although the girls’ lacrosse team was formed only three years ago, the team has steadily been growing. With more interest in the sport, especially from underclassmen, coach Merryl Geisse believes that the team will become a force in the Santa Clara Valley League in the coming years.
“It’s really encouraging to see the program expanding because I know when I started as a sophomore, there was a shortage of girls but now we almost had an excess [with 17 players] this year,” said senior attack wing Vanessa Block.
Returning to coach the varsity team who coached during the 2009 season is Geisse, who played at Bucknell College for three years.
“[Geisse is] very dedicated and drives from San Francisco every day to coach us,” Block said. “She has a positive attitude [and] knows when to be focused and disciplined.”
Many other players agree with Block that Geisse is an excellent coach.
“She is doing a great job coaching—she works us from start to finish,” said senior attack wing Ellen Scott. “After each game, I can actually see an obvious improvement in our skill level.”
Senior defense wing Abby Frankola agreed.
“She pushes the team to work hard, not only during games, but also during practice,” said Frankola.
This year, Geisse has stepped up the intensity of the practices, running the players a lot more and doing many drills.
“She really knows what she is talking about,” senior defense wing Kathryn Nobles said. “I like that she focuses on fitness and keeping us in shape.”
With the added intensity comes with a greater drive to win.
“I think there is a much more serious mentality this year,” Frankola said. “Everyone really wants to win.”
Although they have not been able to win any of their five games as of March 22, most have been close games. The team remains last in the league.
“We’ve lost some tough games,” Scott said. “[However,] we’ve played 110 percent until the end of all our games which makes me really proud.”
The team’s first league game was at home against Los Gatos on March 17, a 14-10 loss to the Wildcats. The Falcons were able to hold the lead until the last 15 minutes when Los Gatos was able to break away.
Junior goalie Megan Benzing played a huge role in the game and saved over 75 percent of Los Gatos’ shots. Nobles also held the defense together. Overall, the team managed to execute well on multiple break-aways, and made many cuts and picks, said Geisse.
The team also had an away game against Leland on March 22, losing 12-8.
Although the team has had a rough start, they see reason for hope.
“The season so far has started off a little shaky if you look at the scores of the games, but I think each game we’re improving skill wise as well as working better together as teammates,” Block said.
