Due to the intramural program that incorporates perfecting skills, game play and conditioning, girls lacrosse players have been improving their technique during the off season.

“As in any sport, when a player works hard in the off season on their skills, they come into the season much more prepared to compete at a high level,” second-year head varsity coach Melissa Mitidiero said.

To kick off the season, tryouts were held on Feb. 25. Typically there are 25 girls that make the varsity team.

“[Assistant varsity coach Bob Regan] and I look for players to be coachable, players to want to compete [for] every possession no matter if it is in practice or game play,” Mitidiero said. “[We look for players] that always desire to be better and players that continue to promote an environment of leadership and motivation.”

After earning a record of 7-8-1 last season, ending with a loss to Hinsdale Central High School at sectionals, the team is ready to work hard in order to go as far as possible this year, Mitidiero said.

“I have changed my training by hitting the gym and weights more often in the preseason to prepare,” Marquette commit Hannah Greving ‘19 said. “I have also been participating in higher level practices through my club team, Lakeshore Lacrosse, to help me prepare as well.”

Competing against teams such as Loyola, New Trier and Hinsdale Central creates some challenges for the team, Greving said. Each of the teams have been in the top three in Illinois many times and always have a strong roster filled with highly skilled players.

“So many seniors graduated last year [who were starters and had played together], so filling all of those gaps will be somewhat difficult,” defender Mia Gales ‘20 said.

However, the team plans to combat these obstacles thanks to Mitidiero’s conditioning at intramurals, Gales said. It will help the team become quicker on their feet, ready to take on any difficulties that will arise during the season.

“I’ve definitely come to more intramurals because not only is being in shape important, but knowing and having chemistry with my teammates is important,” Gales said.

Along with the physical aspects of the sport, the emotional and mental components of the game will affect the season as well, Mitidiero said.

“Our lacrosse program provides an environment not only to play lacrosse and increase skill, but to also allow our girls to build unity, school spirit and support one another,” Mitidiero said.

Overall, the team is excited for their upcoming season and look forward to playing together again, Gales said.

“We have been talking about how excited we are for this season,” Gales said. “Bring on the snow, sleet, rain, wind, pasta, bruises, boys’ games and team bonding!”

The team’s first game will be at Neuqua Valley High School at 6:30 p.m. on March 12.