Crawford County features three lacrosse programs this spring.
Two of which, Meadville boys and Conneaut girls, competed for District 10 titles year. The third, Meadville’s girls team, is now in its second year of existence.
Conneaut girls
The Conneaut Eagles are hot off their fourth straight District 10 championship. The Eagles topped Fairview 16-4 before losing a PIAA playoff game against Chartiers Valley.
Second-year head coach Sarah Taggart is back and so are five all-region players.
After four straight D-10 titles, do the Eagles ever deal with complacency? According to Taggart, not so much.
“We are extremely proud to represent Conneaut Area Senior High at a competitive level each year. Being with the team for two years I am incredibly proud of the accomplishments that the athletes have achieved,” Taggart said. “Throughout our season we practice like we play in games. There are always going to be challenges with motivation within athletes at the high school level, but I have found that the students are most motivated when they feel challenged with accomplishing further goals in the postseason and individual goals as well.”
Captain’s Amanda Bernhardt, Lilly Detelich, Camille Turner and Kaylee Morini will be leaned on for leadership this spring. Returning all-region players are Victoria Medrick, Turner and Morgan Meyer.
Medrick scored all five of the team’s goals in the state playoff game and scored eight goals in the District 10 championship.
Freshman Maya Bill could be in for a big role this season.
“I am excited to have several freshmen this year that are going to play bigger and bigger roles as they continue on our team. One freshman that I am excited to see growth in is Maya Bill,” Taggart said. “She is athletic, hard working and shows strong stick skills and a powerful shot. I expect her to be able to increase her lacrosse IQ quickly and be a threat all over the field.”
Conneaut is 1-1 on the season, beating Meadville 18-1 and losing to McDowell 10-9.
Medrick has six goals on the season. Lana Johnston and Detelich each have five.
“Our overall expectations for our team this year is to have the mindset to win the District 10 championship again and continue to strive to compete at a high level when competing at a state level,” Taggart said. “We want to grow our organization as well in order to feed the program that we have upheld for more than 10 years.”
Meadville girls
Year one in any program will feature challenges and the Bulldogs lacrosse inception last year was no different.
Meadville was 0-5 on the season, but this year’s team brings a year of experience to its players and its coaching staff.
“We are now in year 2 of the program, and are working to build on the foundational skills and team dynamics established last year,” head coach Frances Kennedy said. “Our focus will be on continuous improvement in all aspects of the game, including technical skills and teamwork.”
Four returning seniors, Brooke Hart, Eva Gordon, Camden Armstrong and Desiree Morian will be relied upon for leadership and experience, Kennedy said.
Kennedy also said the team has several promising freshmen who are expected to play big roles for the Bulldogs.
Meadville lost its season opener 18-1 to Crawford County rival Conneaut.
“Our primary goals this spring are to improve and achieve a higher level of play,” Kennedy said.
Meadville boys
Meadville ended 2024 with a heartbreaking loss to Cathedral Prep in the District 10 championship game. After leading by four at halftime, the ‘Dogs lost 10-9.
This year, with first-year head coach Blake Sobolewski on the sidelines, the ‘Dogs are hoping for a better result. Sobolewski will be assisted by Mike Richards, Rob Schwab and Jason Taylor.
“Every game this ...
