Falls Church Youth Lacrosse’s U11 Black team won the Northern Virginia Youth Lacrosse League U11B Championship on Sunday, June 12th. After a regular season record of 7-0-1, the team was seeded 4th out of 37 teams and competed in the top-flight tier for the the overall U11B title. After wins against Western Loudoun in the quarterfinal on June 4th and Algonkian in the semis on June 11th, the team outlasted South County Youth Lacrosse 5-4 to take home the title this past Sunday.

Pictured with their trophies are: (front row) Henry Wildman, Jack Felgar, Elliott Levri, Burke McLaughlin, Andrew Tyeryar, Jack MacKinnon, Bryan Gagnon, Will Hammond, Colin O’Leary, Ben Meeks, and Luke Sausville; (back row) Asst. Coach Dave Levri, Jack Gradle, Carson Hopkins, Thomas Majure, Jacob Jafari, Head Coach Steve Smith, Trevor Corn, Nate Spurlock, Asst. Coach Dave Sausville, and Henry Casillas.

By STEPHEN HISCOTT
Falls Church Times Staff

March 29, 2011

The Falls Church Youth Lacrosse Club kicked off the Spring Season with games Sunday following several weeks of practice and scrimmage games. Given growing interest in the sport and increasing numbers of 5th and 6th grade girls playing, two 5/6 teams kicked off their season today. The 5th/6th grade girls (Red and Black Teams) met for a season opener and showed fantastic teamwork across the field. While many of the girls were returning after years of lacrosse experience, several were playing lacrosse for the first time. Given the hustle and excellent play, it is clear the season will be fun (and successful) for both teams. The first few games of the season are posted on the Falls Church Youth Lacrosse Club website, but the next two will be hosted at George Mason High School — 12:30 Falls Church 5/6 Girls Black Team v. Fairfax Police-G56B; 1:45 Falls Church 5/6 Girls Red Team v. Great Falls-G56B. Go Mustangs!!!

SPECIAL TO THE FALLS CHURCH TIMES

January 25, 2010

Registration is now open for the spring lacrosse season in Falls Church. Falls Church Youth Lacrosse Club (FCYLC) is a non-profit community organization fielding lacrosse teams for both boys and girls, at both beginner and advanced levels. FCYLC participates in the Northern Virginia Youth Lacrosse League, playing surrounding area teams. Falls Church Youth Lacrosse provides experienced coaches and a healthy, positive environment to develop sportsmanship, team play, and integrity.

Take advantage of early bird registration rates of just $150 by signing up before Tuesday, February 15, 2011. And until February 15, registered FCYLC players will receive a 15% discount at PJ’s Sports.

FCYLC Lacrosse Basics

Ages

1st through 8th grade boys and girls (U9, U11, U13, and U15 teams based on birth dates).

Open for all boys and girls in the greater Falls Church area, to include McLean and Arlington

Season

Practice begins in March. Games run from 3/26 to 6/12 with Easter and Memorial Day off.

Cost

Just $150 for the first child; $125 for each child thereafter. $30 for game shorts (Scholarships based on need are available, for those who qualify.)

Equipment

All equipment your child needs is available for rent at nominal extra cost.

To register online, visit our website at www.fclaxclub.com. Select “Register Now ” in the left side menu. There is also more information on FCYLC on our site.

QUESTIONS? – Contact Dave Cogar at david.cogar@verizon.net

By STEPHEN HISCOTT
Special to the Falls Church Times

May 17, 2010

May 9 Win Over Alexandria, 11-6

During an exceptionally windy day at the Mason field, the girls exhibited outstanding teamwork, utilizing the skills and drive of all players.  Falls Church came out strong with a 3-1 position four minutes into the game, with the first three draws won by Claire Hiscott.  Likewise, Annette “iron curtain” Schlitt blocked six of the first eight shots on goal early in the first half, allowing Falls Church to keep momentum in their favor.  She maintained a tight grip on the goal throughout the game, with support from many, including Erin Barth, Olivia Cipriano and Anna DuBro at key moments of the game.

Amy Roche and Lydia Grund won several ground balls, continuing strong momentum by Falls Church.  Bridgett Rorrer had a key ground ball win late in the first half, to avoid scoring from an aggressive drive by Alexandria.  Mackenzie Cogar had an outstanding interception and assist (her second of the game) to a goal by Victoria Rund.

Beginning the first half, Cindy Lay picked up a strong ground ball recovery and darted toward the offensive end of the field – now a signature move and strong asset for the team.  Alexa Tracy and Sarah Maller delivered goals.  Mackenzie Cogar, Meredith Johnson and Lauren Wever scored doubles.  Claire Hiscott scored three goals.  In addition, there were several strong shots on goal, keeping Alexandria on their heels, including Claire Trundle and three from Bridgett.

May 16: Defeats Dulles South 12-6

Another victory for Falls Church Girls U11, hosted by Dulles South, brings their season record to 6-1.  Falls Church won the first three draws and came out strong, countered by early, aggressive offensive play from Dulles South.  The game was opened with a warm welcome from the Dulles South coach, along with encouragement of sportsmanship and positive crowd support.

The team had excellent coordination across the field, with phenomenal ground ball wins from Kalena Wojtola, Cindy Lay, Mackenzie Cogar and particularly strong passing from Olivia Cipriano and Lydia Grund.  Goals were delivered by Elizabeth Dodge, Bridgett Rorrer and Victoria Rund and two goals each from Amy Roche, Meredith Johnson and Claire Trundle and a hat trick (3) from Claire Hiscott.

As the team has come to anticipate, there was excellent goal defense from Annette Schlitt with several one-on-one stops, during direct rushes from Dulles South, as they sought to obtain momentum.  Erin Barth, Alexa Tracy and Ranel Marshall had very strong defensive support, enabling Annette to avoid additional aggressive attacks.

In addition, the Falls Church coaches provided strong support for the team and encouraged teamwork, passing and moving the ball aggressively throughout the game.

May 11, 2010

This week Falls Church’s opponent was South County. To say that the Mustangs dominated the game is an understatement. Over the course of 40 minutes of play South County was able to score only once. In the same span Falls Church scored 21 times. The statistics tell it all.

The Mustangs won over 41 contested ground balls with five players (Claire Tourkin, Keelyn Leonard, Maria Torregrosa, Rae Mondragon, and Sarah Lubnow) winning four or more.

Seven players (Ava McDonald, Caroline Duffett, Caroline Kerrigan, Hannah Hiscott, Maddie Hof, Rachel Barrett, and Sarah Lubnow) each scored two or more goals. With additional goals scored by Clio Dinan, Maria Torregrosa, and Rae Mondragon.

Falls Church had five assists with Keelyn Leonard accounting for four(!!) of them.

In the goal, Taylor Gagnon, had an 80% save average.

By half time the score was 12-1.

Strong defensive performances were delivered by Amy Rock, Lauren Wilson, Claire Mooney, Erin McMillan, and Veronica Llamas, frequently forcing turnovers and intercepting passes then quickly bringing the ball upfield back in to the offensive end where Maeve Donnelly and Tatianna Olson provided key support and helped to control the ball.

Falls Church now stands 6-0 heading into what are likely to be their two toughest opponents (Braddock Road and Springfield) to battle it out for first place in the division.

Ride Mustangs! RIDE!

Annette Schlitt, rookie goalie, warms up in goal.

By LIZ WHEELER and DEBBIE SCHANTZ-HISCOTT
Special to the Falls Church Times

May 7, 2010

The Falls Church Youth Lacrosse Club U11 girls’ team stampeded their way to another win this past weekend, 9-7 over Vienna, improving their season record to 4-1.  The team’s strong defense was led by rookie goalie, Annette Schlitt.  Schlitt had incredible stops, an excellent save percentage and tallied four crucial saves in the last three minutes to ensure victory.  Aiding the defensive effort against a quick Vienna squad were Meghan Murphy, Olivia Cipriano, Kalena Wojtola, Erin Barth, Lydia Grund, Kaylee Hirsch, Clara Cobb and Amy Roche.

Stellar “deny defense” from Cindy Lay shut down the opponent’s strongest player, particularly in the tight last ten minutes of the game.  Interceptions and knock down passes from Amy Roche, Lydia Grund, Anna Dubro, Meredith Johnson and Claire Hiscott kept the ball moving toward the Mustangs’ offensive end of the field.   Solid midfield transition play by Lizzy Dodge, Kalena Wojtola, Olivia Cipriano, Amy Roche, Lydia Grund, Bridget Rorrer, Anna Dubro, Cindy Lay, Meredith Johnson, Mackenzie Cogar and Claire Hiscott kept the pace in favor of the Mustangs.

Offensively, Claire Hiscott had control of the draw all game, which led to consistent team possession and the ultimate victory.  Additionally, Hiscott scored three goals, Lauren Wever and Meredith Johnson netted two goals each, and Elizabeth Kerrigan and Bridgett Rorrer each added a score as well.  Lauren Wever’s assit to Meredith Johnson was a textbook play which pleased the strong coaching staff of Liz Wheeler, Joanna Culkin, Sarah Barth, Amy Casillas and Danielle Cogar.

Solid cuts to the ball from Sarah Maller, Erin Barth and Mackenzie Cogar aided the movement of the ball.  Speed and hustle from Claire Trundle and Spencer Donley provided excellent ground ball pick-ups.  The girls demonstrated team play in a well-rounded effort.   The girls have three more regular season games and can be seen in action this Sunday, May 9th, at GMHS field at 12:30pm followed by the undefeated U13 girls’ team.  Go Mustangs!

By JANE JOHANSEN

May 1, 2010

The Falls Church Youth Lacrosse Club’s Boys U13 A team started its second season with a win of 3-2 against Herndon. The team played a solid, hard fought game for its opener against an experienced Herndon zone defense. Goalie Dan Dusenberry made many great saves. The Falls Church defense stayed in position and didn’t give up any easy shots. Offensively, Falls Church handled the ball well and showed patience against a tightly packed Herndon defense. Eriksen Johansen scored 2 and Sean Fitzgerald scored 1.

Since then the team has suffered another couple of losses, to Algonkian 3 to 5, and then to Manassas Battlefield 3 to 7. Scores were contributed by Fitzgerald, Jackson Cogar, Miles Cobb, and Johansen.

Against Annandale last Saturday, Falls Church lost by a score of 3 to 10. Cogar, Fitzgerald, and Brandon Ward each scored. Despite the lopsided score, the team didn’t give up and played a spirited, fun game with Annandale. Head Coach Dave Cogar summed it up optimistically, “We hope to keep building on these experiences and our energetic practices to grow as a team.”

This is only the team’s second year playing the in the A level and it is the first Falls Church U13 Boys team to ever play in the A level. In previous years, Falls Church never had enough players to field two teams at U13. But, after winning the U11B championship in 2008, the players and coaches decided to give it a shot. Last year, their first year at the A level, the team struggled and went 0-8-1. So this season the team hopes to improve that record and is already on its way with a current record of 1 win and 3 losses.

The Mustang U13A team next travels to Clifton to take on Braddock Road U13A on Sunday.

Falls Church center Sean Fitzgerald (left) faces off against Herndon.

April 26, 2010

The U-13 Lady Mustangs faced their first really challenging opponent this past Sunday in the form of the team from Stafford. Falls Church scored first, when Caroline Kerrigan ducked in from the offense taking a pass from Claire Tourkin and sliding one past the Stafford goalie. Not to be outdone Stafford responded with two quick goals to go ahead 2-1 and place the Mustangs in the unusual position of not leading for the first time this year.

After much back and forth, midfielders Claire Tourkin and Clio Dinan tallied two, to first pull even and then step back out in front. However, Stafford answered back with a third goal sending the teams to the interval tied 3-3. Coming out from half time the Mustangs surged forward scoring three goals, two by Rae Mondragon followed by another by Maeve Donnelly. Stafford however fought back hard scoring three goals and tieing up the game 6-6.

Clio Dinan was dominating the draws and providing outstanding checking, but although the Mustangs were working the ball well, aggressive play by Stafford was preventing Falls Church from capitalizing. However the same was true for Stafford. Although Stafford was scoring goals, they were being turned back from many of their opportunities by solid defensive plays by Lauren Wilson, Erin McMillan, Maria Torregrosa, Ava McDonald, Caroline Duffet, and Veronica Llamas.

Truly clutch goal work was being provided by Maddie Hof, with some key 8m-shot saves and an overall 53% save average. In the midfield, Amy Rock, Hannah Hiscott, Claire Mooney, Rachel Barrett were applying more and more pressure to Stafford and wearing down the opposing midfielders.

Going into the final few minutes the game was tied, when Rae Mondragon scored two more goals (her third and fourth of the day) with support and assistance from Keelyn Leonard and Tatianna Olson. Up two goals with less than two minutes remaining Stafford fought back tallying a seventh and bringing the score to 8-7 with 40 seconds to go. Falls Church hung on with good defensive play and stretched it out to the final horn. But what a nail biter!!! Good game, Mustangs!

By JANE JOHANSEN
Falls Church Times Staff

April 25, 2010

Mason High Varsity Girls Lacrosse defeated Washington-Lee Generals 13-5 last Wednesday, upping their undefeated record to 8.

The Lady Mustangs struggled a bit in the first half as the Generals started the game fast with a motion-type offense, during which the score was often tied, and the first half ended with the score at 5-4 in favor of the Mustangs.

In the second half, the Mustangs increased their lead by wearing the Generals down in the midfield and working to improve their offensive passing game – and, to the credit of the defense and the goalie, by allowing only one goal to be scored by the Generals in the second half.  While the Generals double and triple-teamed Abby Johansen and Gwen Edwards, the resilient Mustang offense adjusted by passing to the open players.

There were numerous assists resulting from the cooperative offense, including assists by Gwen Edwards, Amanda Rolander, Taylor Bottock, Abby Johansen, and Christina Perez.  Senior midfielder Courtney Ready scored 5 goals, senior center Gwen Edwards scored 4, junior defender/midfielder Abby Johansen scored 3, and senior attack Christina Perez scored 1.

Defensively, Grace Kuipers led in ground balls with 6, and the Mustangs were able to keep the General’s scoring low with Chelsea Wilkes and Chantal Thomas outracing their opponents on fast breaks; and with Katrina Snyder and Abby Johansen getting a stick in to tip shots away from the cage.  Senior goalie Meghan Powell saw lots of action in the cage making 12 saves to tie her personal best so far this season.

The Mustangs travel to Loudoun County High School April 26 to play the Loudoun County Raiders.