Carver head coach Lee Wineholt has just two seniors on his roster.
And they know how difficult the competition in Baltimore County has been in previous years.
Now, armed with a strong upcoming core, the Wildcats are out for revenge against once-stronger teams.
On a dreary and occasionally rainy Monday afternoon at Owings Mills, the Wildcats (6-5) picked up a 14-10 victory over the Golden Eagles (1-11).
Monday?s game, the last regular-season contest, was key for Wineholt?s squad, clinching a winning record.
“Carver hasn?t had a winning lacrosse team, maybe ever,” Wineholt said. “Last year we were 2-9, and to go from 2-9 to 6-5 in one season is really tremendous. And the girls have really stepped up.”
What?s even more impressive is that Wineholt?s program is building without the help of a junior varsity team. Monday?s active roster featured ten freshmen and sixsophomores, making the task of finding playing time a key issue for Wineholt.
“It?s very difficult” finding playing time for the freshmen, he said.
One of those freshmen, goalie Tiffany Lazarus, turned aside 20 shots in Monday?s win.
“She?s been really amazing,” Wineholt said. “She?s really improved a lot during the season, and has gotten some more confidence in her.”
The Wildcats also got some offensive support from the freshmen, with Kat Montanye scoring three goals, and Lucia Thome adding a pair of scores.
Carver?s leading scorer Monday was Aly Laux, who had four goals. Sophomore Audrey Dittman added a hat trick, and junior Andie Caplan scored once.
“That?s really exciting, because most of my team is returning” next season, Wineholt said after the win.
Jen Plaskowitz was the lone senior to score on Monday.
With the effort and turnout of the underclassmen, it?s easy to look towards the future.
“Next year, if we get anything like that, we could have a JV,” Wineholt said.
“I constantly tell the freshman, you are the future of this team,” Wineholt said. “I?ve been very happy with their dedication to the team, despite sometimes not getting a lot of playing time in the game.”
A WILD VICTORY
» The lone seniors on the roster for Carvert A&T include Jen Plaskowitz and Rebecca Storch.
» According to Wineholt, the Wildcats have come from behind in four of their six wins. At one point Monday, Owings Mills held a 4-2 advantage.
» Wineholt is also a coach with the Wildcats field hockey program.
» Owings Mills was led by Brooke Spund?s hat trick, while Jen Smith and Jen Kent added two-goal performances.
» Golden Eagles senior Kim Dixon is destined for Delaware, where she will try to catch on with the Blue Hens.
