Lacrosse team looks to finish strong
By Hector Trujillo
With four matches remaining in the regular season, the Scripps Ranch High School womens lacrosse team looks to close out strong despite three of the games being on the road.
“It’s been rewarding to see the team incorporate so many new faces this year,” said head coach Michele Uhlfelder. “We have 10 players new to our varsity roster, and in each end of the field we have new players playing significant roles.”
Among the remaining games are one versus La Jolla High School on April 26; one at Cathedral Catholic on April 28; one at Coronado High on May 1; and the May 3 closer at home versus Patrick Henry, which the Lady Falcons last faced in a 19-8 victory on April 14.
“Our veterans have been crucial to helping the team grow and they are making their teammates better in practice every day while making major contributions in games,” Uhlfelder said. “We continue to push a high lacrosse IQ, and we are focused on getting measurably better each day.”
Among the standout performers so far this season are junior midfielder Dahlen Vilbrant, who is one of the fastest players on the team. Vilbrant leads the team in goals, ground balls and draws along with being excellent at reading defenses. Junior midfielder Norah Lutz has been fantastic at taking the draw and winning possession. Senior defender Laila Major has been a solid force when it comes to anchoring the defense, with sophomore defender Charlize Fernandez stepping up in the clear game, on ground balls and in one versus one coverage.
“I love the work ethic of our players on the draw circle and the fight we have shown,” Uhlfelder said. “Our program has very good team speed. We are working on higher level stick skills and strengthening position specific work. I expect us to continue to battle, to stay together through challenges and ups and downs.”
Despite the fact that more than half the team is new this season, Scripps Ranch expects to continue playing up-tempo lacrosse and challenge opponents to prepare, think, react and compete hard.
“We are excited to see the growth continue and see how we have improved collectively and as a team at the end of the season,” Uhlfelder said.
The Lady Falcons had their best performance this year against Sage Creek High School on April 4 in a 19-3 victory at home.
