HAND-TO-HAND COMBAT: Stuart Country Day lacrosse player Isabel Soto, right, battles an opponent for the ball in action this spring. Senior defender Soto provided leadership for a young Stuart squad which showed growth as it posted a record of 4-10. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Showing its potential, the Stuart Country Day lacrosse team blanked the Solebury School (Pa.) 11-0 in the last week of the season.

“We came together defensively, the goalie [Harlyn Bell] had a shutout,” said Stuart head coach Caitlin Grant, reflecting on the May 14 triumph.

“Offensively we spread it all around. Sam Servis had two goals, Tori Hannah had two, Julia Maser had three, and Amy Hallowell had two. Seven of the goals were from freshmen.”

While the Tartans fell 15-8 at Blair Academy in their finale to end the spring with a 4-10 record, Grant had no qualms with her team’s effort.

“The last game was tough, it is really far and the girls were worn out when they got there,” said Grant.

“One of the seniors, Isabel [Soto], called the girls together and said she was proud of the effort and proud to be on a team like that.”

Grant is proud of what her seniors contributed this spring. “Isabel and Alaina [Ungarini] have been with the team all four years and Nikki [Starke] was new to the sport,” said Grant.

“Isabel stepped up as a leader, she brought the girls’ spirits up when they needed it. She made sure that they kept intense in practice. Alaina is a great asset for a team; she is always smiling and positive.”

In Grant’s view, the Tartans had a positive spring notwithstanding the record. “We grew a lot since the beginning of the season,” said Grant.

“We moved some of the girls from low attack to low defense and that helped. We had three seniors, three juniors, and the rest were freshmen and sophomores. It is a young team. We have some girls from the 8th grade coming up and I am excited to see how they play with the girls that we already have.”

Stuart featured an exciting group of freshmen this spring, highlighted by Maser (a team-high 45 points on 36 goals and 9 assists), Hannah (20 goals, 14 assists, and Servis (24 goals, 7 assists) together with Harley Guzman and Rose Tetnowski.

“I was really happy with the freshmen, they have talent and they were not afraid to step up,” asserted Grant.

“They were confident which isn’t easy when you are a freshman. They were able to step up as leaders. Maser, Servis, and Hannah were the top scorers. Harley Guzman really came on, she was totally new to the game and she came out and played hard. Rose on defense was a leader in interceptions and ground balls.”

Junior star Hallowell emerged as a key leader for the Tartans. “I think she played great,” said Grant of Hallowell, who tallied 24 goals and 7 assists.

“Last year she relied on her sister [Ani]. She will play whatever position we need her to. We could put her at center or wing. She always gave 100 percent; she would sacrifice her body. She always plays hard, no matter what. I wish I had 15 players like her. She never questions and she never complains. She is a true leader.”

Grant likes the prospects for the program going forward. “The girls passed the ball around more this year, everyone got a chance,” said Grant.

“I love the girls. They are positive; everyone looks out for each other. They are only going to get better. I am really excited about the future.”