AUBURN - Four days later, the Lakers still can't talk about it.
Jennifer Meyers / The Citizen
Skaneateles junior Karen Vitkus, left, and sophomore Emma Hueber reminisce while browsing a display of articles detailing their winning season before the start of the Skaneateles girls lacrosse team's banquet at the Springside Inn in Fleming, Wednesday. ..
Skaneateles junior Karen Vitkus, left, and sophomore Emma Hueber reminisce while browsing a display of articles detailing their winning season before the start of the Skaneateles girls lacrosse team's banquet at the Springside Inn in Fleming, Wednesday. ..
That certainly didn't stop them from celebrating it, though.
“I can't even put words to it,” said Whitney Johnson, who helped lead the Skaneateles girls lacrosse team to its second straight state championship. “It is the most amazing feeling.”
Her coach on the other hand, had plenty to say.
Bridget Marquardt, who won her 101st game in just five seasons, was quick to deflect the credit of the program's success to everyone around her.
“It is a combination of a lot of things,” Marquardt said. “Our summer program has been up and going strong for the past couple of years. The players all work really hard and are devoted to the game and work hard in the off season. I have a great assistant coach, Steve Rice, who has 20 years' experience in the boys game; he brings a lot to what we do. We get a lot of support from the parents, who are always there to support the team's efforts.”
All those supporters gathered at the Springside Inn Wednesday to recognize the accomplishments of a team that was considered a long shot to repeat its success from 2005.
The Lakers came to the harsh realization that after many players graduated, they were a much younger and inexperienced club. But the Lakers found a way to grind through the season, willing themselves to victory.
“People thought this was going to be a rebuilding year,” said sophomore midfielder Jenn Lotkowictz, who made her varsity debut this season. “But we improved and we were able to go all the way.”
For the players who have experienced the state championship last season, the second one has been even better.
“Every single time from league to sectionals to states the nerves are tingling,” Johnson said. “All the adrenaline you feel before, during and after the game - it doesn't change no matter how many times you play.”
The winning feeling is one everyone hopes they can perpetuate into next season. With eight seniors graduating in two weeks, the players are confident they will be able to step up to the challenges that lie ahead.
“It is always hard when you lose seniors,” Lotkowictz said. “But I think the JV will step it up and fill in the spots. I think we'll be just as strong and all the camaraderie we've built will still be there.”
After all, it worked this year. Why not a third time?
“I can't even put words to it,” said Whitney Johnson, who helped lead the Skaneateles girls lacrosse team to its second straight state championship. “It is the most amazing feeling.”
Her coach on the other hand, had plenty to say.
Bridget Marquardt, who won her 101st game in just five seasons, was quick to deflect the credit of the program's success to everyone around her.
“It is a combination of a lot of things,” Marquardt said. “Our summer program has been up and going strong for the past couple of years. The players all work really hard and are devoted to the game and work hard in the off season. I have a great assistant coach, Steve Rice, who has 20 years' experience in the boys game; he brings a lot to what we do. We get a lot of support from the parents, who are always there to support the team's efforts.”
All those supporters gathered at the Springside Inn Wednesday to recognize the accomplishments of a team that was considered a long shot to repeat its success from 2005.
The Lakers came to the harsh realization that after many players graduated, they were a much younger and inexperienced club. But the Lakers found a way to grind through the season, willing themselves to victory.
“People thought this was going to be a rebuilding year,” said sophomore midfielder Jenn Lotkowictz, who made her varsity debut this season. “But we improved and we were able to go all the way.”
For the players who have experienced the state championship last season, the second one has been even better.
“Every single time from league to sectionals to states the nerves are tingling,” Johnson said. “All the adrenaline you feel before, during and after the game - it doesn't change no matter how many times you play.”
The winning feeling is one everyone hopes they can perpetuate into next season. With eight seniors graduating in two weeks, the players are confident they will be able to step up to the challenges that lie ahead.
“It is always hard when you lose seniors,” Lotkowictz said. “But I think the JV will step it up and fill in the spots. I think we'll be just as strong and all the camaraderie we've built will still be there.”
After all, it worked this year. Why not a third time?
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