The high school girls lacrosse season got off to a busy start last week, with the Lady Jaguars logging three matches in a four-day stretch.
Windsor opened the league schedule at home on March 5 with an 11-7 loss to Justin-Siena, but bounced back two nights later with a 19-4 rout over visiting Rancho Cotate. Windsor finished the stretch on March 8 with a 12-6 setback to Casa Grande.
Cameran Ambly has taken over for former head coach Kristen Piotter, with Aaron Piotter serving as both varsity assistant and JV coach. Other than the coaching change, the big news this season is the great turnout for the program, attracting a total of 43 athletes.
“We have a very full pipeline of exceptional new players,” Aaron Piotter reported. “The increased interest and adoption of the sport will help our programs’ sustainability for the future.”
The Jaguars have begun the spring campaign with lofty goals, looking to go farther than any team in their eight-year history.
“Overall expectations are to contend for the NBL League title and be competitive in each and every game,” Piotter said. “Our new Vine Valley Athletic League adds Justin-Siena to the mix, which makes them a heavy favorite to take league since they’re used to the rigors of the Marin County Athletic League.”
One big plus for Windsor is the return of their entire 2018 varsity roster, a rarity in high school sports.
The list of returnees includes senior defenders Gianna Davis and Kelly Berndt, along with junior Kendra Phillips. Sophomores are defenders Madison Dalton and Savahna Smith. Midfielders are sophomores Sienna Grace and Rebecca Hernandez, juniors Nicole Mattos, Ashlee Crowley, Elka Piotter, Ashley McBride and Mary Sweeney. The lone varsity newcomer is junior Katie Todd, who may emerge as an impact player for the Jaguars. Playing attack for the Jags are seniors Kaitlyn Dalton and Cassie Mann, junior Alexandra Baker and sophomore Hailey Toste. Anchoring the team is three time all-league senior goalie Paige Deickman.
The injury bug has plagued the team early in the season, with Toste and Grace recovering from winter soccer while junior attacker Jewel Carstensen will soon return to action after nursing nagging injuries.
Life on the road
The Lady Jags will no doubt be road warriors in the second half of the season, with the Windsor High School field set to undergo construction on April 1. All home games have been scheduled in March and the Jags will play the rest on the road. All postseason games will be played at away venues.
Windsor will resume action on March 12 against visiting Branson, followed by a home clash with Sonoma Academy on March 14 (5 p.m.).
