Girls’ lacrosse plays preseason games against Calvary Christian Academy and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High

BY KYLEIGH SPRIGLE

On Tuesday, February 12, the Cooper City High School girls’ lacrosse team played two preseason games at Calvary Christian Academy (CCA) and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The Cowboys won the game against CCA, ending with a score of 5-4. They lost the other game against Douglas with a score of 10-2.

In both 2016 and 2017, the girls’ lacrosse team won district championship titles. Preseason games will not go toward their official record but are used for practice and experience. The team has some players that have never played lacrosse before while the experienced players have either played for CCHS prior to this season or for a separate organization.

“I think it is great because we have a lot of new players and it is good exposure for them,” parent Irma Barr said. “It was a good opportunity to get their feet wet, to understand where to stand on the field and what they’re supposed to do and not do.”

The team practices Monday through Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. Before the season began, the team would have conditioning sessions multiple times a week. It may seem like they have a lot of practice but nothing is like playing a real game.

“The team did great. It definitely was good practice due to us having so many new girls,” junior Rylee Horton said. “It helped them see a real game and get some practice in one. Now they know what to expect.”

“Preseason does not show what the rest of the season will be like.”

The game against CCA was tightly matched. Most points were scored by one player. Horton scored four out of the five points, while Grace Barr scored the other one. The Cowboys were able to keep the game close and come out victorious.

Douglas is known for having a competitive lacrosse program. They have a strong team as well as a great coaching staff. The Cowboys tried to keep the game close but the gap between the score just kept growing. Every quarter Douglas scored more and more until the end score of 10-2. CCHS may not play Douglas again for the remainder of the season.

The players believe that the preseason does not show the team’s abilities. The team will play everyone as a way to practice. While during the season they may only play the best 10 players, all players have time to improve and grow over the season individually and as a team.

“Preseason does not show what the rest of the season will be like,” junior Marley Patterson said. “We are definitely going to improve from that game to our last game.”

The first real game of the season will take place at CCHS on Tuesday, February 19 against Gulliver Prep High School.

Photo by The Lariat Photography