This piece was submitted by Julia May, (10, J&C).

Starting today, Wednesday, May 11, the junior varsity women’s lacrosse team heads into the Derby Invitational Tournament, hosted by Ballard High School. For the first game of the tournament, the Crimsons will face the Collegiate Amazons at 5:30 PM on Ballard’s grass field. 

In the last face-off between the Crimsons and the Amazons, the Crimsons came out on top, defeating the Amazons 10-1. This win contributed to the team’s overall record of 10 wins, six losses and two ties during the regular season.

If the Crimsons win in the first round versus the Amazons, they will play a not-yet-determined team in the semifinals at 9 AM on May 14. Seeing as this is the season’s playoffs, a loss at any point means that the Crimson’s season will be over. However, pending a win in this semifinal game, the Crimsons will have the opportunity to advance to the finals in hopes of becoming tournament champions. 

“I am excited to see how our hard work over the season will show in the playoffs,” JV attacker Caroline Toler (11, #81) said. “If we all come together and work as a team, I can see us going really far. Win or lose, I know that we will be proud of ourselves at the end of the day.”

“Our team has been working so hard this whole season,” Tori Drepaul (10, #71) a sophomore midfielder and attacker agrees, “I really think if we continue to work hard, we can win this.” 

Some key players to look out for during this tournament include Kraimer, Drepaul, Noe, Hamilton, and Toler. Elisabeth Kraimer (11, #54)  leads the team in not only points (11), but also assists (8) and caused turnovers (11). Toler is one to watch seeing as she is tied with teammate Elisabeth Kraimer (11, #54) for the most points (11). Jaylah Hamilton (11, #55) has scored the most goals for the Crimsons thus far in the season (11) and will play an important role in the team’s games this tournament. Not to mention midfielders Ava Noe (11, #75) and Tori Drepaul (10, #71) who have been a competitive advantage for the Crimsons this season on the draw circle, winning a combined total of 40 draw controls. Noe also is second on the team for caused turnovers (10). 

“I’m disappointed that I will not be able to attend the game,” attacker Morgan David (12, #53) said. David, a varsity player, is currently competing in the state tournament. Overlapping schedules prevent the varsity team from attending JV games. “After watching our JV team play all season, I am confident that if they play their best, the team can bring home a win. Good luck JV!” David said. 

The championship game which will be played at 11:30 AM on May 14 on Ballard’s grass field.