Ridge excels in lacrosse at Thomas

WATERVILLE -- The opportunity to try different activities has never fazed Terissa Ridge because of the challenges involved, so it's not surprising to have her succeed in each endeavor.

Ridge, a 2008 graduate from Mountain Valley, was named all conference first team lacrosse this spring for North Atlantic conference east division, while playing at Thomas College. The Rumford resident graduated from the Waterville-based institution on May 12 with a degree in Psychology. She plans to further her education by entering a Masters program.

The Rumford native exploits was even more amazing considering she didn't even pick-up a lacrosse stick until February 2011. As a rookie, Ridge, who had played in the midfield, scored nine goals as a junior. The team advanced to through the NAC playoffs, before coming up shy in the championship game.

Ridge switched to defense this year and proceeded to make a greater impact. The co-captain recovered 40 ground balls, scored two goals, had two assists and forced five turnovers. The team finished strong, however, was excluded from the playoffs, due to loss to the University of Maine at Farmington.

Not surprising was Ridge' unique ability to grasp the intangibles of the new sport. This was enhanced by having a strong athletic background, which included a four-year letter winner in soccer at Thomas College. She was selected as co-captain as a junior and senior.

Ridge has made Western B All Conference as a senior at Mountain Valley. She earned a roster spot and played in the East/West All Star game at Hampden Academy. During that time, she was recruited to play soccer for Thomas College. She was also named Thomas college female athlete of the year as chosen by the student body.

Ridge also made the most of her college experience by being recognized, academically. She was vice president of SAC (Student Athletic Committee) as a junior. She was appointed president of SAC as a senior.