A season of changes and adjustments brought the girls lacrosse team back to the same spot as last year, fighting to continue their season in the NJSIAA sectional quarterfinal round matched up against Montclair. As the buzzer sounded, the scoreboard read 17-11, and the girls season was over.
The girls ended with a .500 record, going 10-10 and 2-3 in their conference. They started very strong, winning 6 of their first 9 games, while trying to find their stride, and they became more of a unit every game. After losing last season’s losing lead scorer and University of Florida commit Sofia Della Rocco, Westfield persevered by igniting new fires in underclassmen.
“As an underclassmen, this year was particularly special because of how welcoming the upperclassmen were. On the offensive side, everyone was always supporting each other and on the defensive side, everyone had each other’s backs. Not only was this season special on the field, but off the field it was just as enjoyable. This team was so special and knew how to have a good time” said sophomore Alice Manzo.
This season brought a lot of changes, as last year’s assistant coach, Katie DaSilva, stepped up in the role of head coach. “For me I don’t think there was a lot of adjusting. I’ve always known what I was capable of and I think it just became whether or not the girls bought in, which they did. In my opinion it was an extremely cognitive season. We ended up with the exact same record as last year, and losing the same way as last year, but it didn’t feel that way. I feel like they knew the whole time that they were constantly supported and that a win or a loss doesn’t define them” said DaSilva.
After losing two seniors from the previous year, and captain Della Rocco, Westfield knew chemistry was going to be a struggle. However, under the strong leadership on the field of senior captains Lucy Mineo and Kate Watson, Westfield was playing without hesitation. This season the Blue Devils had multiple committed athletes, including senior Lucy Mineo to Marquette University and junior Emma Blake committed to Denison University.
Captain Lucy Mineo had 37 goals on the season and was a strong leader for the Blue Devils the whole time. Her play on the field and character off the field defined what Westfield lacrosse represents. “DaSilva was our assistant coach years ago, so seeing her in a different coaching style was definitely an adjustment. I think that the overall team was much more fun. We had a lot more fun together and we did a lot of stuff off the field, like psych parties, and hung out a lot more, and I think that reflected on the field a lot. I would definitely suggest that for future teams. As far as coaching goes, it was definitely an adjustment, but I think that we were in a much better position than we were in previous years” said Mineo.
Despite a heartbreaking ending for the Blue Devils, Westfield left a season to remember. They were a family on and off the field and that is why they were so successful. The countless upsets and memorable team-bonding moments will make up this team’s legacy.
