Elana Falkenstein is a midfielder for the girl’s lacrosse team and has been playing since second grade. Falkenstein has racked up many milestones in her time on the team earning 100 points, 100 draws, 100 ground balls, and 100 goals.

Since the team has no seniors this season, four of the juniors had to step up and take on the role of team leader. Some may see this as a weakness, but not Falkenstein.

“I like it a lot because it shows growth and leadership of our team because we’re able to build next year since we’re going to have the same team,” Falkenstein said.

The chemistry between the girls can only grow from here. They won’t be losing anyone next year, which is a huge positive.

“I think it’s a positive image for our team as well, showing that we have underclassmen that are able to step up,” Falkenstein said.

Since Falkenstein has been playing for such a long time, she is a well-rounded and driven player. She believes the hardest part of the sport is the mental challenges. She explained how persevering through a mistake and using that to become better than before takes a lot of mental strength and stamina. But as long as you don’t put too much pressure on yourself and don’t linger on the negatives, you will find success.

Although she’s just a junior, Falkenstein has plans to go to four-year college to get her bachelor’s in business after high school.

Lexi Sabosik is a midfielder and also takes the draws for the Lady Terriers’ lacrosse team. She has 100 career draws for the team.

Sabosik said being a captain feels good. Although it’s a tough position that can come with a lot of pressure, she said that it’s a 10 out of 10 experience. Since she’s been playing since fifth grade, Sabosik can handle all of the difficult aspects of lacrosse.

To grow and progress as a player, you have to make mistakes. The pressure of being perfect can be a huge mental challenge for many athletes.

That’s why Sabosik said that the hardest part of lacrosse is staying positive through your mistakes. It takes a lot of maturity to be able to morph negatives into fuel moving forward, but once you master that skill, you will be successful.

Although she has no specific plans for college yet, Sabosik is very ambitious career-wise.

“I either want to be a pilot, a lawyer, a doctor or a midwife and be a nurse practitioner to be with babies,” Sabosik said.

Maddie Hendricks is a defender for the team and has been playing since fifth grade.

“I feel appreciated that my coach and teammates chose me to be a team mentor,” Hendricks said.

The captain position can come with a lot of pressure, but she seems to embrace all aspects. Hendricks works well with the team and tries to be a positive force for the girls.

“Helping others improve and encouraging the girls I play with rewards me personally and professionally,” Hendricks said.

No matter how hard you work or how good you play in a game, sometimes it’s just not enough to win. Hendricks said the hardest part of lacrosse is losing a close game. Especially when you know you gave it your all. However, she advised that if you can refocus this frustration into the next game that that little extra drive and power could give you the win.

Hendricks is in second place for most forced turnovers for Del Val Girls Lacrosse and is hoping to be first by next year. Despite only being a junior, Hendricks plans on getting her bachelor’s degree and then entering into the state police.

Taylor Tavernite is an attack for the girl’s lacrosse team that has proved to be a huge asset for them. She has 100 career goals as well as 200 career points, just as a junior.

Tavernite has been playing since fourth grade, putting in the work every day to get to where she is today.

“It’s a big role to take on at such a young age but it’s definitely fun,” Tavernite said.

Like all sports, lacrosse can be just as much of a challenge mentally as it is physically. Tavernite said that staying positive is the hardest aspect of lacrosse. It can be difficult to keep your head up at times, especially if you make a mistake. However, you need to move on quickly and keep driving forward.

Tavernite’s drive has opened the door for many opportunities in the future for her. She is committed to play Division I Lacrosse for Iona University after she graduates in 2025.