JV lacrosse girls are perfect together

BY JOSH LASHLEY
WEST MILFORD — The West Milford High School varsity girl’s lacrosse team is having a solid season and the future looks bright indeed. If someone needs proof that it’s an accurate statement, all they need to do is attend one of the Highlanders’ junior varsity (JV) games.

Through the first 14 games of the regular season, the JV had an unbeaten record of 11-0-3. This, of course, is a pleasant development for Krista Provost, who coaches the squad.

The success is commendable, but when one considers the dedication shown by the Highlanders, it’s not at all surprising.

“At the start of the season, the girls came together to create team and individual goals to focus on this season,” Provost said. “I've been creating my practice plans to focus on their individual goals and I have seen success in the games, which is very exciting to see the positive results of what hard work and determination can do. The girls all agreed to focus on these two team goals, grow as a family, build up the team and have a winning record. On game days the girls fight from the first whistle to the final call and never give up. They are always asking me questions or looking to further develop lacrosse skills and as a coach there's nothing more I could ask for.

“We had a team mission called ‘Operation Dunkin' Donuts’ when we played against two very competitive schools, and if we won the games I promised to get the whole team Dunkin Donuts-drinks and a donut. During our second game that week, we were down by five goals at half time and I told the girls that aggression would win the game. Each girl came out so strong that second half and we defeated them by one goal. It was the best game of the season so far, seeing them fight and work as a team was amazing and of course they enjoyed their Dunkin' Donuts trip.”

Members of the freshman class who are contributing to the junior varsity this spring are Shawnee Murray and Lindsay Pych.

“Being a part of this team is an experience unlike any other,” Murray said. “Our success so far this season is not only because of our individual skill but also because (of) the positive atmosphere and ability we have to work as a team."

Pych enjoys the atmosphere that surrounds the program.

“The lacrosse program helps you create a bond with your teammates that you can't get anywhere else and it helps the team on and off the field,” Pych said.

Emily Miller, a sophomore, liked the ways in which the student-athletes on the roster interact with one another.

“I want people to realize how really different all of us are," said Miller, "but right away we formed such a strong friendship off the field that bond is then in turn is reflected through our teamwork on the field.”