Division I

Contenders looking to close gap between perennial favorites in D1 girls lacrosse

The final four in Division I high school girls lacrosse has had a familiar lineup for the last three years, with Pinkerton, Bedford, Souhegan and Bishop Guertin all getting to the semifinals. While odds are good at least three of those four teams make it there again, there are a handful of teams in

The final four in Division I high school girls lacrosse has had a familiar lineup for the last three years, with Pinkerton, Bedford, Souhegan and Bishop Guertin all getting to the semifinals.

While odds are good at least three of those four teams make it there again, there are a handful of teams in the division that appear to be closing the gap.

Merrimack, Exeter, Nashua South and Londonderry all have their eye on trying to get out of the quarterfinals - something only Exeter has been able to do since Bedford and Bishop Guertin moved up in 2015.

Favorites

Pinkerton (17-2 in 2018): The Astros appear to have the talent to potential be at the top of the division for the next two seasons, thanks to a strong junior and senior class in 2019. Pinkerton is solid in the midfield, with senior Kiley Davis and Emily Wong and juniors Lily Auger, Madison Daziel, Hailey Peredna and Zoe Howe returning. The offense also looks strong, with senior Courtney Lamphere, junior Lauren Lisauskas and sophomores Caroline Daziel, Abigail Jowett and Amy Quigley back on attack. Danielle Martineau returns in goal to solidify a defense that also has senior Sydni Dery, juniors Katelyn Bennett and Aana Blaska and sophomore Justine Doyle back. Five freshmen could also see plenty of playing time as well for the Astros.
Bishop Guertin (15-5): The defending champs took a hit with the graduation of goalie Grace Young and midfielder Katie Lupo, but the Cardinals were junior heavy a year ago, and will have a lot of leadership this year. While Bishop Guertin will be breaking in a new goalie, the defense around her will be strong, with seniors Grace Lambert, Abby Hayhurst, Sydney Todd and Emma Boudreau returning. On offense, senior Emily Santom will be joined by sophomores Lindsey Hult and Madison Keating, both of whom made big contributions as freshmen.
Bedford (16-4): The Bulldogs have had some tough luck the last two seasons, falling in overtime in each of the previous two title games. Although Bedford graduated eight seniors, some of the Bulldogs' key contributors from a year ago return, including seniors Hannah McCarthy, Sydney Lynch, Graceann Rooney and goalie Hanna Paradis. Bedford had a large sophomore class a year ago and that group returns with a year of experience, led by midfielders Mackenzie MacEachern and Riley Chou.

Contenders

Souhegan (17-3): The Sabers lost seven starters to graduation and return just three seniors with varsity experience heading into this year, but have a young core coming up. Senior midfielders Taylor Clark, O'Neill Galinson and Hannah Rowe will be joined by juniors Issy Aiello and Clare Woodford while junior Savannah Behn is lone returning starter at attack, but sophomores Abby Hawkes and Margot Manz got some varsity experience as freshmen. Junior Alex LeBrosse returns in goal while sophomores Nicole O'Rourke and Eva Stine are the top two back on defense.
Exeter (11-8): The Blue Hawks have loaded up their schedule in recent years with the top teams in D2 and tough out-of-state competition. It paid off for Exeter last year, as it returned to the playoffs, and the Blue Hawks look poised to take another step this year behind the trio of midfielders in senior Carly Pierce and juniors Raye Neil and Allison Kelley. Sophomore goalie AJ Paton and junior Phoebe Tyler will lead the defense while Exeter kept five freshmen on varsity, including Lily Strohecker and Emily LaPia, who could begin the season in the starting lineup.
Merrimack (11-6): The Tomahawks have a handful of returning players and hope to finally get past the opening round of the postseason. Merrimack has an experienced group of seniors back, led by Erin Ortega, Amber Brewster, Caitlyn Moran, Autumn Howe and goalie Bella Beaton. Juniors Mel Hutchinson, Megan Dinsmore and Katie Cota are also back to join Brewster to lead the midfield while Ellie Boucher and Lorin Wandell are back on offense and Sarah Islam and Julianna Martin return on defense.
Nashua South (8-9): Like Merrimack, the Panthers have been to the postseason the last two years and haven't been able to get out of the quarterfinals. South has a big group of upperclassmen returning, including senior goalie Abbey Rowe and senior Izzy Bolduc on defense. Senior Liz Harrington and junior Sarah Signorello are back at midfield while junior Kirsten McIntire looks to lead the offense.
Londonderry (7-12): The Lancers strength going into the season is their defense, with senior captain Sammy Leclair leading the way. Also back on defense are junior Kaitlyn Bedell and goalie Morgan Brutus while in the midfield, Jenna Stowell and Sarah Duarte, the team's leading goal scorer last year, are back. Grace Chicko and Hannah McCuetcheon move from midfield to attack while Maddy Walden is back on attack. Newcomers Ciara Amerena, Izzy Augusta and Grace Holland are expected to contribute in the midfield, while Abbie Whitley, Tess Brown and Tara Wright will play a role on defense.

Dark horses

Manchester Central (3-12): The Little Green have a strong core returning, including senior captains Ryleigh Cavanaugh and Katelyn Parker, who will anchor the midfield. Junior Emma Dudley will lead the offense and freshman Meghan Harris could step in to play a big role for Central. Junior Kasey Kfoury is a three-year starter returning in goal.
Salem (1-14): The Blue Devils had 65 players come out for tryouts this spring, including returners Christine Aboujaoude, Grace Owaida, Julia St. Hilaire and Mackenzie Svenson. Salem also expects to get contributions from Kayleigh Galasso, Ariana Lakos and Tayla Whittaker.