Girls lacrosse: Scouting Cook and Lake County teams

The Hersey girls lacrosse team enters the spring season among the teams with optimism for a memorable run.

The Huskies, who finished 20-4 last season and reached the supersectionals, have plenty of talented players, including University of Chicago recruit Kailee See and Ava Harwood.

“We have a very strong roster this season,” Hersey coach Lindsay Baer said. “We have lots of potential to prove ourselves during our regular season games and beyond.”

Fremd heads into the season with numerous talented returnees, namely midfielder Nina Gray, defender Mia Lapetina, midfielder Julia Gama and Audrey Hsu and goalie Natalie Meler.

“The returning varsity players are always taking the initiative to help the team newcomers to the varsity rosters and the integration of the team has been seamless,” Fremd coach Elizabth Herman said. “This team has the skills and the drive to be extremely successful this year.”

Buffalo Grove, which started its program four years ago, is reaping the benefits of several experienced players. The varsity has 13 seniors among the 19-player roster, including five juniors and a sophomore goalie. Finishing 6-12 last season, Buffalo Grove is aiming high this season.

“We’re looking to harness our experience and have greater success this season,” Buffalo Grove coach Richard Russell said.

Prospect (11-6) is backed by the senior group of Campbell Conner, Skyler Splinter and Kelly Cassaday — all experienced players with motivation to win the program’s first playoff game.

“With a talented attack, rock steady midline play and burgeoning defense, we are eager to find postseason success this year,” Prospect coach Daniel Speth said.

Wheeling enters the second season playing lacrosse expecting to turn things around behind several returnees. Lindsay Carrillo, a midfielder, and defender Vicky Liszka are players to watch, while newcomer Violetta Nunez is a key player on defense.

“We’re a very young team, but I’m very excited to see the growth of this team and these players,” Wheeling coach Jessica Stransky said.

Schaumburg (8-13) returns junior midfielder Katie Poldek and senior goalkeeper Mari Strutynska, while juniors Izzy Parziale, Dani Woodrich and Brooke Bach are key players.

“What we lack in varsity experience, we hope to make up for with girls who put in a lot of off-season work,” Schaumburg coach Jake Hughes said. “We’re excited to see our defense gel with an influx of athleticism and leadership from senior newcomers Elliana Malley, Emma Jevtic, Grace Schluckbier and Stephanie Calderon. I’m confident that as the season progresses, we will be in a position to be competitive in our conference and exceed our early round exit from the playoffs last season.”

St. Viator (12-7) is coming off a memorable run last season, but lost 11 seniors to graduation. The Lions have plenty of talent back in junior goalie Riley Ohrel, who committed to Xavier. She finished with a career-best 300 saves last season. Junior midfielder Aleese Warner committed to Radford.

“Riley’s communication skills on the field helps our defense,” St. Viator coach Raegan Woolwine said. “Aleese comes ready every game and practice. We also have two returning starters, Emilie Moorman and Maggie Towle. Both players embody what a true leader is.”

Stevenson (15-8) is led by all-conference returnee Elena DiBella. The Patriots finished with a 4-1 record in North Suburban Conference action last season.

“The team is looking forward to a new group and trying to get back to the sectional final and beyond,” Stevenson coach Sarah Gutierrez said.

Lake Zurich is looking to rise up the conference standings following a 6-13 showing last season. The Bears are led by seniors Sophia Harcus and Nicole Bass.

“We’re so excited to have a growing program with two full levels of lacrosse,” Lake Zurich coach Greigh Hoeft said. “We can’t wait to see what this team is capable of.”

Maine South (9-10) is a team with a lot of talent after placing third in the Central Suburban League and advancing to the sectional semifinals before losing to eventual state champion Loyola. The Hawks bring back three all-conference players in midfielders Sophia Gianaris and Milicia Simic and defender Cat Connolly.

“We have a strong group of returners who have bought in and are willing to work hard,” Maine South coach Will Pankratz said. “We’re extremely excited to continue to build on the steps that we have in place, and the sky is the limit.”

Glenbrook North (8-12) returns 16 players, including Rachael Rizzi, Piper Downey and Charlie Stuart, for a team looking to be among the best in its area this season.

Glenbrook South (5-13) is motivated for a winning season due to a strong group of returnees that features Ava Carr, Charlott Weiss, Gabi Swidler, Violet Walsh, Violet Frick, Emma Erwin and Townsend Walter.