From: http://papreplive.com/blog/2016/03/30/conestoga-2016-girls-lacrosse-preview/ by Kieran McCauley.
Last season: 11-0 league, 23-4 overall (1st place in Central-League, lost to Garnet Valley in PIAA championship)
Key players: Sondra Dickey, Sr., Jules Horning, Sr., Rilee Scott, Sr., Monica Borzillo, Sr., Paige Loose, Sr., Maggie Hanzsche, Sr., Liz Scott, Jr.
Outlook: There is only one way to label Conestoga’s state-title loss last season, crushing . The Pioneers were firing on all cylinders, until a 14-6 Garnet Valley run denied them of their first ever PIAA championship. The good news for the defending Central League champions is they are returning the majority of their starters. “We’re so excited for this season,” senior defensemen Maggie Hanzsche said. “We have some unfinished business to take care of from last year and we are ready to work hard to get back to where we stood last season.” Hanzsche, along with goalie Jules Horning will lead the charge on defense. Offensively, seniors Sondra Dickey, Rilee Scott, Monica Borzillo, and Paige Loose, along with junior Liz Scott will provide matchup nightmares for opponents’ defenses. The bad news for Conestoga is they have been riddled with injuries. They lost arguably their top-offensive weapon, Scottie Growney for the season with a torn ACL. On top of that, two of their top defenders, Maddi Little and Eliza Hacke, will be sidelined for at least half the season with lower-body injuries. Depth has been something Conestoga has prided themselves on for years, they will need to rely on it heavily this season.
Prediction: Do not expect last year’s gut-wrenching state-title loss, and recent injuries to impede Conestoga’s 2016 campaign. They are a cohesive unit who has one of the top coaches in the state in Amy Orcutt. Between the leadership of the coaches and the seniors, expect this team to take things one week at a time and still be a serious contender for the PIAA Championship this year.