LT played Lockport on Bennett Field for their first game of the 2023-2024 season on March 12. Following a productive week of practicing, athletes faced high-level, talented players. The Lions team not only anticipated a win but understood this win would be special. Returning player Ashley Culin ‘25 remembers the lingering doubts before beating the team as an image of what it means to play as a team, and a perfect way to start a season.

“I would not have made changes looking back, everything [worked] out the way it [was] supposed to,” Culin said about last year’s season. “I am grateful for the experience I have had and excited for one more season with my teammates.”

Faced with strong competition during the past season, the team’s journey ended 11-9 following a playoff loss to St. Ignatius. Intending to come back stronger, the players are preparing for the upcoming season. The girls lacrosse program has grown greatly with 100 students trying out. Along with a new coach introduced, the program has persistently advanced. As the team is still being refined, so are the goals for the athletes.

“This season I am looking forward to playing with new girls and finishing my last season with some girls I have played with since freshman year. I have big goals for our team and myself,” Culin said.

Practice schedules remain the same, requiring team members’ dedication. Practices include daily two-hour training often on Bennett Field for the most authentic game atmosphere, honing in on conditioning, stick skills, and game planning. Culin perceives the sport as a combination of both individual and team efforts. Each player can only control their individual performance, but unity and interpersonal communication are how the team wins.

“We love having a good laugh at practice but we are usually pretty locked in and prepping for our next game,” varsity coach Morgan Gallagher said.

As a new season begins, athletes are preparing to bring their improved skills to compete with some of the top teams in the state for another year. 

“Being a part of a team sport [means] getting to compete and play with some of my best friends,” Culin said.

The team’s first varsity game was against Conant on Bennett Field, on March 18 at 6:30 p.m., past LION’s print deadline. The next game is March 20 at Oak Brook Park District against Benet Academy.