Sherwood and Quince Orchard have earned the No. 1 seeds in their respective regions in the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association girls lacrosse tournament. But the two Montgomery County powers enter the playoffs with entirely different mind-sets.
Defending region champion Sherwood (10-1) will encounter a field of familiar foes in the 4A-3A West Region, made up exclusively of teams from Montgomery County. Quince Orchard (10-1) will likely have to slay an unknown dragon to win the 4A-3A North, which includes two teams from Carroll County and one from Frederick. Both counties have the advantage of junior varsity lacrosse, unlike Montgomery.
The looming power North No. 2 seed Westminster (10-3), the two-time defending region champion which defeated QO, 13-11, in the region final last year.
QO coach Jenna Siegel believes it’s time for Montgomery County’s best to go toe-to-toe with the elites in the state, JV or not.
“There’s too much fear of these teams,” said Siegel. “We’re beaten before we even step on the field. But last year we stayed with Westminster. Athletically, we can match up with just about anybody.”
When QO met Westminster in a 20-minute play-day scrimmage early this spring, the Owls won, 4-2.
Senior Kiki Manners (35 goals) leads the Cougars’ balanced attack along with sisters Emily Ellenberger (36 goals) and Natalie Ellenberger (31 goals). Freshmen Alissa Peterson and Alyssa Odenkirchen have provided an injection of talent.
QO received a fortuitous draw Monday. On its half of the bracket are four Montgomery County teams, all with losing records.
