By Josh Lashley
WEST MILFORD — The West Milford High School girl’s lacrosse program has already faced its share of exceedingly tough competition this spring, without much time to rebound from a particularly challenging game.
Sure, there have been some rough contests that the Highlanders have endured so far this season, but a constant has been the leadership of captains Meghan Curran, Kristen Polczer and Kaitlyn Quigley.
All three seniors have demonstrated that they know what it takes to be effective leaders.
“Kaitlyn and Kristen have been leaders and role models on and off the field for the previous two years,” West Milford head coach Michelle Lugerner said. “They have demonstrated their love for lacrosse and their ability to help and lead others.
“Meghan is in her third year being captain, the first two were for the junior varsity program. I decided to continue having Meghan as a captain as she knows the daily routines and the expectations of a captain. She also has become an effective leader, guiding the team throughout the season.”
Curran, Polczer and Quigley have been there to aide their teammates in a variety of aspects of the sport, while also working to improve themselves as lacrosse players.
“They teach the younger girls specific stick skills, plays and techniques,” Lugerner said. “(They are) constantly motivational throughout practices and games. On many occasions they have given the other athletes constructive criticism to help them improve their skill. The captains have also dedicated themselves to the program for the past three years. It will be sad to see them go and hard to find replacements that can fill their shoes. I wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.”
The Highlanders have a road contest scheduled at Jefferson on Friday, May 3.
“This is a huge growing year for our athletes,” Lugerner said. “Many of them have transitioned from junior varsity to varsity, while a few took the jump from youth to varsity. It is stressful on their minds as well as their bodies. It was also a struggle to learn to play a busier schedule, having a game ever other day. This type of schedule does not give the athletes time to rest or recover from the previous day’s game.
“Moving forward, I am hopeful that the girls are able to gain the knowledge and skills learned in practice in all of the games. They need to continue to be a sponge and absorb everything that the captains and I tell them in order to make the future of the program more successful.”