Lacrosse Roundup - BHS Girls Team Still Battling after Major Injuries

BHS Girls Team Still Battling after Major Injuries 

By KEN HAMWEY,
Bulletin Sports Writer

“Injuries are part of the game’’ is an often-used phrase in sports, and coaches usually don’t dwell on them or use them as an excuse.

The Bellingham High girls’ lacrosse team encountered some major setbacks early on that clouded their season by sidelining all three captains and a top-notch defender. But, Sarah Saillant, in her second year as head coach, is handling the adversity in a classy and admirable way.

“We’re making huge adjustments, and I’m truly proud of the girls for overcoming this huge impact,’’ Saillant said. “I’m hoping a strong showing late in the season will make the tourney a possibility. But even if we don’t qualify, a lot of our jayvee players are swinging up to varsity, and I see great things for their future. Our heads are held high.’’ 

The captains are all senior midfielders — Luci Walden, Samantha McNamara and Jocelyn Zahn

“Sam suffered a fractured ankle against Northbridge, and Jocelyn sustained a head injury against Norton,’’ Saillant offered. “Luci hurt her back during basketball season, and that is preventing her from playing until further notice. The good news is I should have Sam and Jocelyn back in a few weeks.’’

Abigail Wallace, a senior defender who’s a co-op player from Millis, suffered an ACL injury during basketball and will be out for the season, according to Saillant. 

“Abigail was a starting defender last year and was the voice and star of our defense,’’ Saillant said. “It’s a loss for the team to not have Abigail this year. She’ll be playing at Caldwell University next year.’’

The adversity left the girls with a 0-6 record at the Bulletin’s deadline. Two of the defeats were sudden-death overtime losses. 

Before the injuries, the 32-year-old Saillant was cautiously optimistic that her Blackhawks could secure a date in the playoffs after falling short by one match last year.

“We’ll stay competitive, aim to top our four-win season of last year and hopefully earn a playoff date,’’ she said. “Those objectives are realistic, because the girls worked hard in the off-season and we’re more experienced.’’

A native of Natick and a 2010 graduate of Bellingham High where she played four years of lacrosse, Saillant has fielded a team that has other strengths.

“We’ve got depth, and we’re talented and skilled,’’ said Saillant who was a defender at the University of New England. “The girls are also versatile and very coachable. Our senior leadership is fantastic, and the players’ work ethic is strong.’’

The captains personified many of those attributes, said Saillant.

“Luci is our strongest role model, respected by all her teammates,” she said, “A Tri Valley League all-star, she leads by example, by being communicated and supportive. She’s outstanding in transition, excellent on offense and will play lacrosse at Colby-Sawyer College.

“A leader by example, Samantha plays center midfield and is very good on draw control,” continued Saillant, “She’s passionate about lacrosse, also excellent in transition and well-skilled. She’ll be playing lacrosse at Worcester State. Jocelyn is a vocal leader, has great speed, is confident and aggressive in a good way.’’

Freshman Shannon Marino plays attack, and Saillant says, “She’s got the potential to be a prolific scorer.’’ The coach also notes,”Shannon has grit, is able to play any position is coachable and willing to learn.”

Besides Marino, four seniors, Abigail Pelletier, Riana Taylor, Kaidyn Shea and Ava Bartnik,

 compete as attackers. “Our attackers play an aggressive style and are mentally tough,’’ Saillant offered. “Their offensive ability is outstanding, and they rely on drive and passion to score. Abigail is our strongest attacker, and I like the group’s work ethic and cohesive nature.’’

The defensive unit includes seniors Sophia Jandrow and Juliana Trudeau, junior Izzy Acuna, and sophomore Deb Kalemi. “Our defenders are intense and versatile, able to adapt effectively,’’ Saillant said. “They’re coachable, passionate about lacrosse, and very instinctive.’’

Freshman Gianna Padula started as a goalie last year, quickly learning that role as an eighth-grader. Describing Padula as calm and collected, Saillant said, “Gianna’s stickwork is good, she blocks shots well and is a fine communicator who protects the net.”