Girls lacrosse looks forward to 2017 season

Despite the rough season last year the Royals girls lacrosse team remains optimistic about this year’s upcoming season.

Last year the Royals went 5-9, and lost seven seniors to graduation. Despite this, they have a very strong group of returning players. Two of these players, Sadie Skadron and Sammi Galinson, senior captains, were the second and third leading scorers last season.

Also standing in the Royals path are two very strong Lake Conference teams. The Eden Prairie Eagles who are the defending state champions and had an undefeated record. And the Minnetonka Skippers who were another solid team in the Lake Conference with a record of 5-3.

Although the loss of last year’s seniors will hurt the team, they are looking at their returning players to fill the void both on and off the field.

“We lost some key players last year but we still have a great group of girls returning and we are looking forward to a great season,” said Lilli Appelman, junior.

The Royals are also looking to some of their younger talent to step up this season.

“Our team is still young and we will look for some of our younger girls to step up so we can have the best season possible this season,” Appelman said.

This season, the team is striving for balance instead of relying on a few standout players.

“We have strong and talented group of girls returning this year and I think it will be a total team effort both on and off the field. We have a group that is ready and willing to compete everyday especially at practice,” said Jon Smart, head coach.

The Royals know that in order to be successful in such a hard conference they will have to go out and compete every night. With teams such as the Eden Prairie Eagles, they know that success starts with practice.

“The focus this year is getting better every day, and looking to improve our overall record and our skill development as the season goes on. It is a fun and hard working group, and the coaching staff is very excited to see how this group’s progresses throughout the season,” Smart said.

Captains practices start Mar. 27, and tryouts will be held the week of April 3.