The Notre Dame Preparatory School, Towson, lacrosse team is poised and ready to go as the IAAM lacrosse tournament is in full swing.
Coached by Mary Bartel, Lisa Costello and Katie Laschinger, the Blazers are having a good year, placing third behind The John Carroll School, Bel Air, and McDonogh School, Owings Mills.
The Blazers completed their regular season in the IAAM A Conference with a record of 8-4, 13-5 overall.
In post-season play, NDP thumped The Seton Keough High School, Baltimore, in the quarterfinals on May 2 by a score of 18-5, with 11 different NDP players scoring. The Prep will now face Archbishop Spalding High School, Severn, on May 6 in the semifinal round.
Across the board, coaches confirm that in the IAAM A Conference, nothing can be taken for granted and one team can defeat another on any given day. For the Blazers, it’s all about focus, hard work and attitude.
“We always hope for the best,” said Costello. “The team has really gelled nicely this season, and it seems that they truly enjoy each other, which makes it easier for all of us.”
Seven dedicated seniors lead the way for the Blazers, starting with L.B. Zinkand and Emilie and Anna Boeri. The Boeri sisters, identical twins, are headed to Stanford University in the fall.
While Zinkand anchors the defense along with senior Meg Ryan, the Boeris, both midfielders, are lightning fast and their height provides a distinct advantage on the draws. All four players possess quick sticks and a deep desire to succeed.
On the offensive end, the Boeri sisters and junior Erin Laschinger are leading the team in goals and assists. Though the NDP program has never been one for highlighting top scorers, the Boeris and Laschinger, who can take it crease to crease, have found the goal 213 times while holding their opponents to just 142 goals on the season.
In the goal for the Blazers this season is senior Brigid Milchling.
“Brigid is such a determined player,” said Costello. “She definitely wants to win and works hard every day.”