Spring sports are starting up at Centennial High School and both the Girls and Boys Lacrosse Teams look to make a statement to the county that they are here to compete.
The Lady Eagles are back to the Nest following a 9-3 regular season and County Championship appearance last year, returning two Hofstra University commits, senior Claire Whipkey and junior Caroline Cudzilo. Those two, alongside a great supporting cast, lead a team that includes a young goalie, strong offensive and defensive players and a new coaching staff with great energy.
Bethany Cunha, a social studies teacher here at Centennial, stepped up to fill the void as head coach, and one week into the season her team sits atop the county standings. Cunha returns to the sideline as a well-respected head coach with prior experience coaching the Lady Eagles of the 2010s.
“She is very educated about the game and the drills at practice continue to help us get better and learn more,” said senior midfielder Kaitlyn McManus.
With years of coaching under her belt and a team that has gotten behind her early on, Centennial girls lacrosse seems destined for success this season.
Last year was a great year for the team, but the new season starting meant that last year’s seniors graduated and young players have had to step up in their absence. “I have definitely seen great improvement from our young players. They are stepping up well and have been extremely coachable to older players and all the coaches,” Claire Whipkey said. “I am excited to see them develop as we continue to improve over the season”.
While the young players have looked great thus far, the stars on the team have kept shining. Cudzilo has 15 goals in her first two games, Whipkey has seven goals, and McManus scored six, against Hammond and Southern High School. All three led the team in goals and assists last season, and with all of them continuing to get better, it is always going to be a long day for opposing defenders.
In comparison to some of the other powerhouses in the county, Centennial has one of the smallest rosters. Only 16 players fill out their team, a stat that could either support or hinder the progression of the squad. With only 16 players and 12 on the field at one time, the physical and mental pressures of the game could get to them. However, the team has embraced this challenge and transformed it into a bond of togetherness. “Our team camaraderie has led to our success in the past, and just playing with these girls this season, this is the tightest we’ve been”, said McManus.
While the roster might be small and there is a new coaching staff, those are not inherently bad things. This team has embraced the change, bought into their coaches, and come together to play their best lacrosse every game. Centennial students are behind them and are expecting big things as the year continues and the games grow more important.
On the other side, the boys look to climb to the top of the county with lots of star power returning from last year’s squad. Senior Colby Dabbs and Junior Ryan Foy return as All-County attackmen trying to put together another standout season for the Eagles. Senior midfielders Jameson Ivy, an Elizabethtown College commit, and Sam Voeltner are both key factors, bringing a blend of strong offense and tenacious defense. Lebanon Valley commit Dominic McDonald, senior Charles Sandersen, and sophomore Jackson Bade headline their defense with their grit and communication. Sophomore goalie Owen Ivy continues to improve in the cage bringing safety to their defense.
Last year, Centennial did not reach their goal of winning the regional championship, and this year they have an added motivation to get over the hump and achieve their goal. “There’s a different energy this year,” Ivy said. “We aren’t just playing to compete, we’re playing to win the close ones that slipped away last year. We’ve grown together, and you can see that trust on the field.”
With that mindset, Centennial has come into the season more focused and determined than ever. That focus has already translated to the field, as the Eagles have opened the season 2-0, dominating both opponents in fashion. Leading the charge has been Dabbs, who has exploded for 17 total goals across the two games, setting the tone for the offense early.
Going into the rest of the season, the Eagles will continue to climb the ranks in the county with their mix between mentality, star power, and chemistry. If they continue their success and execution, Centennial has all the pieces to reach their goal: winning the Class 2A West II regional championship.
