Golden Bears enter youthful Section 4 scene
BY MIKE MANGAN
Press & Sun-Bulletin
Vestal coach Kelly O'Brien tries to keep the proper perspective when assessing her team's first season as part of the Section 4 Girls Lacrosse Conference. "We're somewhat in the same boat as many other teams in the area, trying to establish ourselves," O'Brien said. "I think we're looking to grow this year, and to be more competitive next year."
With the addition of the Golden Bears, there are now 10 teams in the Section 4 Lacrosse Conference -- five teams in the Class A Division and five in Class B. In addition to Vestal, Union-Endicott and Binghamton -- who played their first seasons at the varsity level last year -- Ithaca and Horseheads make up the Class A Division. Maine-Endwell, Johnson City, Owego, Corning East and Corning West are in the Class B Division.
Horseheads is the reigning Section 4 Class A champion, with Corning East the defending Class B champion. While Horseheads and Ithaca figure to battle for the Class A Division title, Binghamton and U-E both seek improvement.
The Patriots lost six players to graduation, but return senior goalie Cosi Saint-Phard. Midfielders Adrienne Sopinski and Kristin Brady also return.
The Tigers return virtually its whole starting lineup, including goalie Holley Schofkom.
In the Class B Division, Corning East and Corning West will likely duel for the title, but
Maine-Endwell has made strides the last couple of seasons. Jenna Sanzone and Kristin Sotak are the top returnees for the Spartans. Among the key newcomers are midfielder Amanda Brenon, attacker Deanna Wood and midfielder Catherine Federowicz. M-E coach Heather Doyle will also try to break in a quartet of eighth-graders this season. "It's going to take a little patience," Doyle said. "I've got to rebuild the whole defense. That's going to be a question mark."
Owego's lineup consists of primarily sophomores and juniors. Among the seniors, goalie Kendra Howe is arguably the key player.
For JC, Elise Charlier, a 30-goal scorer last year, is the top offensive threat. Natalie Marusich is also a capable scorer. "The offense is the strength of our team," JC coach Greg Lehr said. "Our numbers are a lot better than last year, and we have much more team speed and skill."
