Two years after reaching the state finals, the Bedford High School girls’ lacrosse team has reloaded and is headed for post-season play.
The Buccaneers are 8-5 and on Thursday, they embark on five tough games to finish the regular season with a game at 4 p.m. vs. Acton-Boxborough on Sabourin Field.
“We’re a very young team this season, and one of the key factors we’re focusing on is keeping our momentum and energy throughout the game,” said Head Coach Nikki Cutter. “I’m proud of every player, and that only continues to grow with each practice and game.”
“We have a challenging schedule this year and have been able to adapt and overcome various difficulties, both planned and unplanned,” Cutter acknowledged. “I like having our more challenging games sprinkled throughout the season vs. overloading on either end. It keeps us on our toes and helps prepare us for our post-season run.”
She cited the play of captains as keys to the success. Senior Charlotte Dreyfuss, a three-year starter in goal, has a 49 percent save percentage and registered her 300th career save this season.
“She has been a great leader for our defense the past two seasons,” Cutter said.
Senior Captain Becca Kohler, playing both defense and attack, is “a true leader by example.”
Cassie Morrison, the other senior captain, is “our consistent force throughout the field of play, from causing turnovers on low defense, taking care of the ball in the midfield, to driving through our opponents defense to place the ball in the back of the net.”
The junior captain, Sam Kinch, is “assisting and helping grow our bench to be better players” after suffering a season-ending injury, Cutter said.
There’s a core of underclasswomen who are testimony to the program’s depth and level of excellence.
Junior Caroline Luongo “has been our biggest contribution to our defense since her freshman year, and has really stepped up with being the backbone of our defense,” Cutter said.
Her classmate Finley Halloran, one of the leaders in assists, is “setting up her teammates for opportunities more than she looks for them for herself.”
Another junior, Emma Dubrovsky, has come back from an ACL injury that she suffered last fall. “She has stepped up with assisting on our draw and defense, while simultaneously being able to find the back of the net when she finds herself on the attacking end,” the coach said.
Sophomore Tova Yerardi “has stepped up greatly in the attacking end,” Cutter continued, noting that she recently scored her 100th career goal.
“Our freshman starters have been making the transition from youth to the top level of high school play better each year,” Cutter said in a salute to Bedford Youth Lacrosse. She cited midfielders Olivia O’Brien and Lauren Perales “with their heavy contributions on our draw and possessions on draw controls;” Ashley Cohen, “who can hold herself in any field position with unwavering hustle;” Jayden Robinson, showing “big communication on defense and ability to bring the ball out of the zone;” and Sophia Babington, now a starter “due in part to her powerful shot on attack.”
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