MV girls seek scoring balance in lacrosse

RUMFORD -- In order for a team to succeed, there needs to be a collective effort by every player and this type of involvement will be necessary if the Mountain Valley girls' lacrosse team returns to the playoffs.

That's the underlying feel of new head coach Kristen Provencher, who is assisted by Melissa Forbes. There's certainly no reason why things can't happen because the Lady Falcons return an experienced group of senior letter winners, led by center Ayla Allen, who leads the offense, having scored 207 goals during the previous three seasons.

She'll be joined up front by attackers Ari Glover, Emily Gallant (hardest shot on team, wing) and Whitney Ruff (attack wing/defensive wing). Junior Jessica Theriault, attacks.

One goal Provencher has is to develop a more balanced offense in order to be less predictable to our opponents, to maximize the players' confidence by increasing skill and knowledge of the game, and to foster a healthy environment with open communication.

That balance didn't materialize in a 21-8 season-opening loss to Lewiston. Allen scored seven of the Falcons eight goals, with runs up the middle to split the Blue Devils defense. The only other goal was by sophomore wing Kayla Pingree.

The defense was peppered by 42 shots, with soph. goalie Jordan True saving 14. True will be fronted by senior Chelsea Bordeau, a force on both ends of the field.

"Makayla White and Rebecca Maifeld will be leaders on defense," said Provencher. "Jordan True has a year of experience behind her in goal and I’m so excited to have a sophomore goalie who loves that position."

Also on defense are juniors Lexi Fryover and Abby Day, and soph. Katie Puiia.

"Katie Puiia and Kayla Pingree didn’t see much time last year and I expect them to make strong contributions to the team this year," said Provencher.

Points of emphasis during preseason were to improve catching, throwing and cradling skills. Freshmen Lori Brown (attack), Kayla Drapeau (D) and Carita DeTellis (attack) must learn the ropes on the run.

A weaknesses is the fact that there is no opportunity to play lacrosse until ninth grade puts the Falcons at a significant disadvantage to opponents, most of whom have youth leagues.

Key losses were Tia White, Nicole Lavorgna and Elizabeth Glover (transfer).