This spring will be the first season for the Long Beach Poly girls lacrosse team. Because of the success the boys team had in the 2014-2015 season, Poly decided to host a girls team this year.
Lacrosse is actually very similar to soccer, which is why the new lacrosse coaches decided to recruit mainly from Poly’s soccer team. The motive of the game is to score the most goals in the small net just like soccer. Players must cradle the ball in the pocket of the lacrosse stick and are allowed to use all parts of their body except their hands to touch the ball.
“Because it’s so similar to soccer, it was easy to get the hang of it and to understand it,” said sophomore Jolani Mastrangelo.
The team began practicing last spring, but did not become official until this fall. Because of the growing popularity of the sport, a lot of girls have joined the team and be a part of it all.
“I was never really interested in lacrosse before I started practicing last year. I always saw game on TV, but I never thought I would ever get to play the sport,” said senior Imani Martin.
The team has already been practicing for some time and plays pickup scrimmages on the weekends.
“Lacrosse is really fun. I like my teammates, we always cheer each other on and help each other on the field. We have a good chemistry off the field and I hope that will carry over when we start playing games,” said Mastrangelo.
Though this is a spring sport, the team will participate in Fall Ball, where the girls will play exhibition games with schools around the area to get ready for season.
“Lacrosse is something I really enjoy. Joining the team was fun because we’re all new to the sport and we learn a lot from each other,” said senior Emaani Stells.
The team practices on Wednesdays at Martin Luther King Jr. Park and Chittick Field and is always looking for new members.
“I encourage all girls to come out and just try it. I was skeptical at first too, but I am definitely enjoying it,” said sophomore Allison Waddles.
Anyone interested in joining the girls lacrosse team may contact the coach to get information about practice times and the lax life.
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