A sign of Spring: Lancaster-Lebanon League girls Lacrosse begins its 20th season of competition with its first day of practices after teams gather in Hempfield High School's Buchanan Gymnasium for the sport's first ever Media Day.
Manheim Township is looking to repeat as league champions, a crown it has worn constantly since 2010, while Lampeter-Strasburg is looking for a three-peat as Section 2 champs. Teams in both sections see them as their primary competition this year. Cocalico, the fourth playoff qualifier a year ago, is looking to build on its strong season in Section 2.
(Pictured are Township's Leah Cramer, Kamille Bagapuro and Rose Montgomery. All photos by Jamie Clement.)
The league lists girls lacrosse as starting competition in 2005. The 2020 season was canceled because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Township's Blue Streaks are aiming to continue their dominant ways after reaching the state semifinals last year behind Coach Coleen Parmer and returners Leah Cramer, Kamille Bagapuro and Rose Montgomery. The Streaks rely on a strong attack and tight defense. The players credit their "togetherness as a team as well as hard work and experience" for their success.
"We definitely want to keep that streak going," say Cramer. "We have high goals." The players listed Penn Manor as their top challenger, but when asked if they remain above the rest of the league, they agreed that while their confidence is high, they're humble.
Hempfield, led by Claudia Ovchinnikoff, a former USA team member, is looking to challenge Township as well, and Conestoga Valley is looking to get back on the winning track with more experience this year. Cedar Crest and Ephrata are planning to make some noise as well.
L-S Coach Marshall Krebs brings back senior Madison Puleo and juniors Sophia Labrecque and Jillian Kelly to anchor another strong team. Krebs says, "We're looking to make a deeper run in districts and state playoffs. Cocalico is led by Maggie Allen, Addie Musser, both seniors, and junior Melia Van Zant.
Elizabethtown Coach Cheyenne Benson says the Bears' goal is to make districts. Rounding out Section 2 are Warwick and Lancaster Country Day, whose Kinzley Miller and Llari Vidot say staying healthy will be key in a sport that can get physical.
But the media day was more than just than competitive posturing. Players posed for serious photos and some clowny ones in between describing their love for the game.
Conestoga Valley's Sammie Silvaggio, now a senior, only played pickup games until joining the Buckskins in ninth grade. Her sister, Bella, played at the University of Vermont, and brother Hunter at Washington College in Maryland. She had played field hockey, but found she enjoyed lacrosse more.
Hempfield's Mia Brennan, a second-team all-star last year at midfield, played basketball and soccer for the Black Knights, but she'll focus on lacrosse at LaSalle University. She says she finds it more enjoyable, even at practice. But the competitiveness comes out as she acknowledges more wins in lacrosse helps.
She says the team will look to turn the tables on Township, which the Knights were runner-up to last year, by making good decisions: "The less time they have the ball is good for us."
As everyone, all the players are looking forward to warmer weather!
(Photos below: Players gather at the LL League girls lacrosse media day. Players gather over Hempfield coach Claudia Ovchinnikoff. Conestoga Valley players Charlotte Eby, Sammie Silvaggio and Olivia Loch support coach Amy Kohout Ream. Ephrata coach Angela Rupp and players Kiera Wene, Natalie Mull and Lucia Yoder.)
March 2, 2025
