With new coaches, a new squad, and wins and losses, the girls’ lacrosse team broke some unbelievable records this season.
“I think what we learned from this season is that it takes a lot of patience, time, and trust to buy into the new Bethel lacrosse way. Any time there’s a new coach, there’s going to be a period of gaining trust. Trust in the coach’s philosophy and trust in the new team vision. When everyone is on board, rowing at the same time and speed, it makes getting to our goal a lot easier,” said first-year Head Coach Jackie Rutkowski.
In the new year of January, Coach Jackie Rutkowski took over as head coach. Immediately after that, she put the girls to work. It all paid off.
On March 17, the Hawks started off the season 1-0 after a big win against North Hills, 18-4.
While at Latrobe on March 31, junior captain Scotlyn Paxton captured 50 points in her career.
On April 7, the Hawks took home a big section win against Canon-Mac 14-6 after losing to them for two years straight. This sealed the playoffs for the team.
Sophomore middie Liliana Centofanti got her 100th career point on April 9.
On April 11, Morgan Wolling (sophomore middie), Ashley Stasik (junior defender) and Scotyln Paxton (captain junior middie) were selected to represent Pittsburgh in the National Girls Lacrosse Tournament in Massachusetts.
The girls honoured the One Love Foundation on April 14. The girls wore blue One Love Shirts to warm up in, and had blue ribbons for their hair and cleats to show their support. During halftime, a 50/50 bucket was passed around during both JV and varsity games. The Hawks raised over $450, which was the most money they’ve ever raised for One Love. All the money was donated back to the One Love Foundation.
On April 16, the team recognized two seniors: Ally Wolling and Kylie Kasievich. The Hawks took the win against Armstrong 13-0.
Junior captain, attacker Sarah Neal got her 100th career point against a big win over Plum, 14-7, on April 23.
On April 28, the Hawks took the win over Norwin, 15-7. This also secured a spot in the playoffs
Sophomore goalie Pippa King got her 200th career save on May 6. Also during the same night, sophomore middie Cami Fisher got 100 single-season draw controls.
On May 7, the Hawks finished the regular season with a win over Seneca Valley, 16-3.
Junior Varsity ended winning (10-1) and finished the season undefeated.
Sophomore middie Liliana Centofanti also got her 100th career goal.
On May 13, the Hawks traveled to Shady Side Academy for the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs. Sadly, it wasn’t the outcome that they wanted. The Hawks lost 13-8.
“I believe what we learned from the first round of the Shady Side Academy playoff game is that when you play a top contender, there is no room for mistakes and errors. From both sides, every error is a capitalization of the opposing team. And it comes down to whoever has the least amount of errors comes out on top.”
The Hawks finished 10-6 in regular season and 10-7 overall.
