Think of it as the farm system for varsity. Except for an outstanding few, every player has to pay their dues on junior varsity before moving up. Some mature quickly and are called up for the varsity playoffs before the end of their freshman year, others get another shot to star on the junior varsity circuit as sophomores before moving up as juniors. And then there are those that hang on to their dreams of varsity glory as long as they can, even if junior varsity ends up being the farthest they ever go.

Still, junior varsity and varsity teach the same lessons: that hard work truly is the only path to success, that individuals can accomplish greater goals when they work as a team, and that you haven't really won unless you've won while being a good sportsman.

We asked JV coaches all around the county to tell us about how their teams did this season, and here is what we heard:

Baseball

Centennial finished 7-9 in county and 7-11 overall, however coach Tom Nanni said that the line between the team having a losing record and a winning one was very thin.

"All but two of our losses were very close, including several one-run losses," Nanni said.

The pitching staff was led by Braden Poe, who was 4-2 with a 1.66 ERA and 42 strikeouts. Poe also led the team in doubles (6), runs scored (14) and walks (11) as a hitter. Eric Sackandy, Daniel Seigel and Tyler Wikse each had a win, while Tae Ho Hwang led the team in saves.

Offensively, Eric Adams led the team with a .426 batting average, 13 runs scored and a home run. Wiske was the team leader in hits (24), runs (14) and stolen bases (11), while also posting a .407 batting average. Other major contributors with a bat in their hands were Cody Jaeger, Matt Ross, Michael Long, David Kendrick, Lewis Morgante and Seigel, all of whom hit around .300 or better.

The Eagles' defense was led by the "fleet-footed" Michael Piotrowski in center field.

Improving three games on last year's record, Hammond posted its first .500 season (8-8) in more than 10 years, according to coach Matt Sillers. Key victories over Atholton, River Hill and Centennial contributed to the final mark.

"We had a young team with good sophomore leadership this season," Sillers said. "I was very pleased with this year's team and know that the future is looking bright for the entire Hammond program."

Brian Ott excelled at shortstop and pitcher, posting a 5-3 record and a 2.75 ERA when taking the mound. Catcher Zach Hazzard batted above .300 and threw out 11 runners. J.P. Johanson led the team in batting average (.409) and Brandon Campbell provided a balanced production as both a hitter and a fielder.

Howard began the season 1-6 but finished 7-7 on the strength of a five-game winning streak. Doug Rohrbaugh started the season at shortstop but moved to center field to strengthen the outfield defense and did an excellent job, coach Rick Oursler said. When the team needed pitching help Rohrbaugh became the No. 1 starter. He batted over .400 until the last week of the season, finishing at .333 with a team-high 15 RBIs.

Josh Vonella led Howard at the plate with a .353 average and 18 hits. He and Rohrbaugh led the team in runs scored (16 each). Vonella had a team-high 15 steals.

Catcher Rod Wotring nailed 15 runners attempting to steal.

There were only six wins for Marriotts Ridge (6-12) this spring, but there were more than a few individual standouts for the Mustangs.

Catcher Andrew Diferdinando posted a .386 batting average and led the team in RBIs (12), hits (17), runs (15) and doubles (four). "He also did a great job of handling our pitchers," coach Craig Blum said.

Ethan Rice pitched well, picking up three wins, and also scored 10 runs. Brett Kohler also helped out on the mound with an even 2-2 record. "He kept us in every game he pitched," Blum said.

Bryce Garipay finished with a .316 batting average and 11 RBIs. Matt Giromini played center field and was one of the team's leaders in stolen bases. Garrett Blom chipped in 11 RBIs, Billy Beam had 11 hits and Conor Sheehan had a team-leading .389 batting average. Nick Schwarz also hit well with a .364 batting average during a season that included wins over Atholton, Hammond and Oakland Mills.

Mt. Hebron finished as one of the county's top teams with a 13-3 county record and a 15-3 mark overall.

Offensively, the leaders were sophomore left fielder Di Tang, who posted a .370 batting average, and sophomore first baseman Andrew Mongor, who hit .309. Pitching-wise, sophomores Clint Huber and Ryan Smouse picked up the majority of the wins.

Oakland Mills (6-12) won a third of its games while developing 14 freshmen, and two sophomores, as future varsity contributors.

Captain Joey Yarn was named team MVP after leading the Scorpions with a scorching .557 batting average. As a pitcher, he was 3-2 with 67 strikeouts, three complete games and a 3.21 ERA. The other team captain, James Pope, was the Scorpions' comeback player of the year, missing eight games with a leg injury. Pope batted .425 and stole 12 bases in the final three games.

According to first-year coach Rick Hart, Peter Harmon was the most improved player for playing outstanding defense and showing great presence behind the plate.

Lefthander Mackey Boyle used his great pickoff moves to catch 12 base runners this season. Callum Doherty anchored the defense at shortstop and had the second highest batting average (.523). Second baseman Kevin Widmayer and first baseman Brandon Sanders locked down the right side of the infield. Kevin Flanagan capped off a strong season by striking out 18 batters with a 1.05 ERA in his last three appearances, helping the Scorpions win three of their last four games.

Other players making significant contributions included Patrick Graves (C), Connor Bellamy (2B), Jarrod Montoya (RF), Jeremy Murfree (3B), Etienne Seldon (LF), Jonathan Snyder (3B), Sean Murrill (RF), Clifford Scott (LF) and Michael Sparks (2B).

Yarn, Sanders and Flanagan ended the season with an invitation to join the varsity squad for the playoffs.

"Several losses were well played and extremely close games including two games by one run in the final inning (Marriotts Ridge and Howard)," Hart said.

For the second year in a row Reservoir finished near the top of the county with a 14-3 league mark and 17-3 record overall. The Gators' roster featured nine sophomores and 10 freshmen, all of which coach Joshua Sullivan said made an impact at some point or another.

"The balance on this year's team was what made it a very fun team to coach," Sullivan said. "I really felt like it was someone different every game stepping up and making the difference."

Will Warrick provided a steady influence behind the plate and worked well with Ben Cameron (7-0), the team's leading pitcher. Mike Quattrone led the team in batting average (.478) and Austin Bloome was the leader in RBIs (30). Sullivan also credited the team's defense.

"It's rare at the JV level when you don't have three or four errors a game, yet this team, game in and game out, got the job done and avoided (allowing) the big inning," he said.

River Hill had a couple of rough patches, including a three-game losing skid near the end of the year, but the Hawks still battled their way to a very successful 13-5 record at season's end. Coach Jeff Chen said his team's resiliency, including battling back to snap the losing streak with two straight wins, was what really stood out.

"The players came together as a team, something that assistant coach (Craig) Estrain and I wanted the players to focus on the entire year," Chen said.

Joe Kolodrubetz was the Hawks' "leader on and off the field" with a .500 batting average, 13 RBIs and one home run before being pulled up to varsity. Brooks Briel was consistent as well with a .422 batting average and eight quality outings as a relief pitcher.

With a nice mix of star freshmen and sophomores, Wilde Lake compiled a 10-7 record this spring.

Ben Vester, a freshman, led the team in wins (five) and ERA (0.58). Fellow freshman Matt Holdefer was solid on the mound as well with a 3-0 record and a 1.81 ERA, while sophomore Steven Perdigao chipped in two complete games, a 2-3 record and a 2.60 ERA. Perdigao did even more damage with a bat in his hands, though, posting a team-best .491 batting average.

Sophomore Cory Lyman stood out offensively as well, with team bests in RBIs (19), doubles (nine) and stolen bases (10) to go along with a .473 batting average. Eric Oler hit .393 with 23 runs scored, 17 RBIs and five triples.

Softball

Atholton finished with a 6-12 record in coach Susan Ericksen's first season at the helm, but there were a fair share of bright spots. A 17-0 victory over Reservoir was among those highlights for a Raiders' squad that featured eight freshmen and seven sophomores.

Erin Boyley, who played pitcher and shortstop, was Atholton's MVP, while Megan Cassella hit triples in five games this season.

Centennial only lost to two other teams in route to its 12-4 record. The Eagles got instant production from a group of 11 freshman alongside a trio of sophomores. Those sophomores were Natalie Frick, Marisa Goldsmith and Samantha Grimes, all of whom served as leaders.

Jen Lingg helped out tremendously on the mound by going undefeated until she was called up to the varsity.

"We look forward to an even better season next year," coach William Klingaman said.

Wins and losses didn't tell the whole story for a Hammond squad that went 4-11 in county and 4-12 overall. Katie Lippitt was season MVP with the team's highest batting average to go along with great leadership. Lauren Taylor and Tiffany Bell were captains and "highly motivational," coach Suzi Fukushima said.

Freshman Lauren Degroat made an impact as one the team's best infielders and Tori Kunlo made great strides as the season went on.

Howard posted a 9-7 record. The Lions were led by a strong cast of players. In the field it was the dependable play of Jena Frick, Kristen Barnhouse, Kate Riesett and Kathleen Richards. At the plate and on the base paths it was Jenn Roberts, Kirby O'Neill and Cara Gerard.

Both Gerard and Nicole Eder pitched well keeping the Lions in most games, and Grace Tolley did an outstanding job behind the plate, considering that she had not caught in almost two years.

Highlights of the season included an international tie breaker win against Glenelg and a come-from-behind win against Hammond.

Long Reach struggled, tallying one win against 12 losses, but the Lightning improved by the end of the season, coach Kevin Broadus said.

Catcher Abby Kramer could bunt and was fast. She once scored from second on a teammate's bunt.

"She was our leader behind the plate and (she) had never played before," Broadus said.

Shortstop/pitcher Ashley Stoughtenger was also outstanding with the glove and the bat, and on the basepaths. She had several delayed steals from third to home.

Thirteen of the 15 Lightning players were freshmen and most of them had never played before.

They were a "very fun group that worked hard," Broadus said.

Marriotts Ridge was led by Amy Mitchell (.500 batting average), Nicole Drummond (.579), Kaitlin Paddy (.425) in several offensive categories, and Brianna Freeman (.525) on the mound with a 6-3 record, 83 strikeouts and a 3.13 ERA.

Ten of the 14 Mustangs were freshmen. Two of the team's four losses came in the bottom of the seventh to two of the top teams in the county, undefeated Mt. Hebron and River Hill. Eight of Marriotts Ridge's 13 wins were by the 15-run mercy rule. The Mustangs were a solid defensive team all season, coach Renard Parson said.

Mt. Hebron was the county's top team, going 16-0 in county and 18-0 overall.

"We had a very balanced team with strong pitching and hitting," coach Brent LaRosa said.

Freshman pitcher Lizzy Eisenrauch struck out 128 batters and posted a 2.26 ERA, freshman catcher Morgan Culler led the team with a .583 batting average, and sophomore center fielder Ashleigh Reynolds hit in the third spot with a .417 average and one home run. Sophomore third baseman Jena Chambarlis (.466) hit in the middle of the order and had a homer.

The Vikings' season highlight was coming back from a 6-3 deficit in the seventh inning for a 7-6 walk-off win over Marriotts Ridge in the final home game.

Reservoir went 7-9. The Gators were led by Shannon Kearney, who led the team on the mound with 90 strikeouts and 39 putouts, and at the plate with a .545 batting average and 17 RBIs.

"She always brought her A game everyday to practices and games," said coach Megan Buppert of Kearney, who was moved up to varsity a week before playoffs.

Corynne Avery batted .392 (third on team) with 16 RBIs. She had eight extra base hits (home run, three triples, four doubles). As a captain, she led the team from the hot corner with 23 putouts, and was also called up for the playoffs.

Catcher Sara Lewis, another postseason call-up, caught six would-be base stealers and batted .372.

Shortstop Cindy Bridger made 27 putouts and batted .346 with 16 RBIs.

Jenna Ryan, another captain and varsity playoff addition, led the team from first base. She batted .365 with a .572 on-base percentage.

"We had a great season ... especially coming off of a previous one-win season. My freshmen really stepped up ... and their game improved tremendously," Buppert said.

River Hill had a successful season, going 15-2 overall and 13-2 in county.

The Hawks were led by captain Alex Vega, the team's best and most versatile defensive player; captain Hannah Robinson, a consistent and clutch hitter; and Polly Adhya, who "pitched every game and always kept a positive attitude even when she wasn't at her best," coach Tony Chambers said.

The Hawks defeated Marriotts Ridge, 11-10, with a come-from-behind effort in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Boys lacrosse

Atholton finished the spring 10-2, getting standout efforts from Zack Placek and Scott Levitt on a consistent basis the entire season. Placek was the team's leading scorer with 41 points (32 goals, nine assists), while Levitt led the defense by "not only stopping many of our opponents from scoring, but also successfully clearing the ball," said coach Wendell Thomas.

Thomas also said that of the 37 guys on the roster, "Everyone played and everyone had an opportunity to start a ball game or the second half."

Under the guidance of coach Warren Michael, Centennial produced an 8-3 county and 8-4 overall record. Michael said that every player on the team saw action in every game.

"We played the starters the first half of every game, the second team the third quarter and the third team the fourth quarter," he said. "Our only goal was G.B.E.D. -- get better every day in our personal lives, academics and on the lacrosse field."

The top performers for the Eagles included Nile Bembry, Adam Castlebaum and Billy Jarrett on attack; Kyle Young, Brian Kraisser, David Kyger, Matt Ballew and Happy Park in the midfield; Austin Ikerd, Munib Shrek, Carson Terwilliger on defense, and Ben Canby and James Carter in goal.

Glenelg coach Jeff Shear said "A tenacious defense and a fluid and driven offense," were the biggest keys to the Gladiators finishing undefeated this spring. Outstanding performances were given by Sean Clifford, Tyler Bohn and John Miliani on attack, while the defense was anchored by Chad Felix, Alex May, Brenden McMahan. Goalies Adam Kunze and Tyler Zaccagnini also stood out.

The team's transition game had a lot to do with the play of midfielders Alex Rhine, Mike Edmonson, Zach Gerber, Drew Lang, Craig Rollyson and Scott Dziwulski.

Howard put together its second consecutive winning season with a 7-3 county mark and a 7-5 overall record.

The offense was led by sophomore attackmen Dakota Reed and Sam Shilling, along with freshman Taylor Mooney. Sophomore midfielder Calvin Ford led the team in ground balls and sophomore Garland McLamb won 80 percent of his faceoffs. According to coach David Smith, the strongest part of the team was its defense, which, led by sophomore Chris Madison, held the opposition to an average of only five goals a game.

Sophomore goalie Alex Guseman was "the most improved players from last year's team," according to his coach. Other outstanding players were midfielder Dylan Pool, defenders Zack Price and Kevin Kuttler, and long pole midfielder Kyle Prestel.

By going 7-3 in county and 7-5 overall, Mt. Hebron practically reversed last spring's 4-8 record. A lot of the success can be attributed to the play of the Vikings' four captains.

Attack Matt Koch finished as the team's leading scorer, midfielder Joe Rodis was the team's ground ball leader, midfielder Andrew Walker was the faceoff leader, and defender Luagh Malone anchored things in the back. Among the highlights was the team's victory over Centennial.

There were no victories on the season for Oakland Mills, but there were some positive strides made by the Scorpions during their 0-12 campaign. The team's average margin of defeat was only five goals this season.

"Last year (the average losing margin) was 12-1, so we are definitely heading in the right direction," coach James Riss said. "We had four one-goal games, losing in triple overtime to Hammond and another overtime loss to Parkville."

The team had three players finish the year with double digits in points, with freshman Tyler Clark (14 points), sophomore Ben Caffey (10) and freshman Terrence Drew (10) each accomplishing the feat. The team's defense was improved as well, with sophomores Damian Gero and Anas Qasim leading the group in front of goalie Ian Davis. Davis finished with 193 saves and a save percentage of 65 percent.

In each of the past four seasons, Reservoir has improved on its record from the previous spring, this year posting an 8-5 final mark. It was the most overall wins in a season for the Gators and the seven county victories was a program record as well.

Andrew Fieni finished with a team-high 39 goals, Max Wicklein led the team in assists and Dillon Barnett led the team in ground balls and face-off wins. The defensive unit was led by Virgil Hitchens, Jase Zester and Greg Kazanjian.

Among the other highlights from the season was a second-place finish in the C.M. Wright Memorial Tournament at the beginning of the year.

River Hill finished 5-5 in county and 5-7 overall in a season that was highlighted by one-goal victories over Marriotts Ridge, 11-10 in overtime, and Reservoir, 10-9. Coach Wayne Tromble said that the team came back from three-goal deficits in both games to emerge victorious.

Sophomore Andrew Gluck led River Hill in goals (23) and assists (11), while also finishing third on the team in ground balls (46). In addition, he averaged over 50 percent on face-offs. Sophomore Zach Mitchell was second in goals (13), including the game-winner in overtime against Marriotts Ridge.

Justin Kyung, who had 10 goals and nine assists to go along with 48 ground balls, and Chris Kim, who had nine goals and five assists, were keys offensively as well.

Robbie Beard led the team in ground balls (56) as a defensive midfielder, and the duo of Adam Scanlan-Berman and Chris Athey anchored the defense. Ryan Healey and Brian Borucki, who finished with 53 saves, split time at goalie.

Other standouts included Sam Oldhouser, Eric Lee (seven goals, six assists) and Chris Leon (five goals, five assists).

With wins in two of its last three games, Wilde Lake closed the season with a record of 2-8 in county and 2-9 overall.

Nick Gorbitz (nine goals, seven assists) and Bryan Yang (four goals, three assists) paced the team in scoring. The defense, meanwhile, was led by sophomore Rob Rhoton and freshman Josh Bittner, who were both key on ground balls. Walli Roshan produced solid play in goal.

Other standout players were freshman Evan Eckley, who played midfield and took face-offs, sophomore David Young, who played defense, and Max Lenowitz, who scored three goals on the year.

Girls lacrosse

Centennial finished 4-5 in county, and 4-6 overall. The team, coached by Kelsey Reed and Stephanie Fox, was made up of 16 players: two returning sophomores and 14 freshmen. The Eagles were led by captains Hannah Vorce and Taylor Bourg. The season had several peaks, which included coming back from a 5-10 halftime deficit to win, 11-10, in the last minute of a game against Atholton; scoring four goals in the last five minutes of a game against Reservoir to come within one goal of tying; and six girls completing their very first year of lacrosse.

Bourg, a freshman, was a key player everywhere on the field. She led the team in goals and was an essential part of moving the ball up the field on transition with her quick speed and stick skills. Freshman Victoria Michel was a key player on attack. Her speed and the strength and placement of her shots were a challenge for any goalie. She led the team in assists, helping numerous players score goals with her accurate passes.

Sophomore Kimmy Leuthold was a key player on attack. Her ability to cradle around players, use the crease, and shoot made her a threat to any defensive unit she encountered. Erica Albornoz led the Eagles on defense. Her ability to tightly defend her player as well as slide quickly to defend other attackers frustrated opposing offenses.

Ashley Kim and Vorce led the team in spirit on and off the field.

"The encouragement these two brought helped bring the team together and make unforgettable memories," Reed said.

Although they lost both out-of-county games, Glenelg had one of the best county records, going 9-1.

Freshman Kayleigh Hinkle, played center and led the team with 36 goals. Sophomore Hannah Gaw played attack wing and received the majority of the draws.

"Her toughness and leadership will be missed next year," coach Chris Beil said.

Freshman goalie Katie Becker had 58 saves on 90 shots.

Even though Glenelg lost, 13-10, to rival Mt. Hebron, the Gladiators never gave up, said Beil. The game was tied multiple times, "We just couldn't break the tie."

"I was very pleased with the girls' work ethic this year. They worked hard in practice and it showed on the field. Our transition play was greatly improved because of their dedication to improvement," added Beil, who will lose nine sophomores to varsity. "My 12 freshman will have big shoes to fill. However, I think we'll be just as good, if not better next year."

Hammond had a rough go of it this season, finishing with a 1-8-1 county record and losing both non-league games. But the season will be valuable as a learning experience, coach Andrea Feldstein said.

"The progress that took place from game one through our last game was astounding," she said.

The team was led by sophomore captains Andrea Aleman, Jessica Clayton, Shelby Dodson and Taylor Leaper.

Freshman Sarah Hemler, who was counted on for scoring, led the offense with 14 goals. When sophomore Christina Maldonado moved up to varsity mid-season, the team hit a lull, but was able to turn that around with a win against Oakland Mills and a tight, hard played loss to Centennial.

The most intense game of the season was a 7-7 tie with Long Reach in which the defense held strong. Goalies Chelsea Miller and Molly Norton worked well with each other and the defense throughout the season to make the team stronger.

"Motivation and teamwork led us through the season. Our motto was 'Go Hard or Go Home' which took us through practices and games as a cohesive unit," Feldstein said.

Howard had a respectable season in county (3-6-1) and split its two out-of-county games. Coach Jim Murray considered the season phenomenal, considering that "this was the first season of lacrosse for many of the girls."

Murray kept a large roster of 26 to sew many seeds for the future of the program.

Co-captains Katie Wendt and Courtney Rice provided the team's leadership while Natalie Powell (23 goals), Kelsey Hunt (12), Caitlin Ciniero (12) and Carolyn Sullivan (11 goals) did most of the Lions' scoring.

Goalie Emily Long did a nice job between the pipes, making 63 saves.

Long Reach went 1-8-1 this season in county action, but did win a second, non-league game. The Lightning were also competitive against Hammond, battling the Golden Bears to a 7-7 tie.

Freshman Jess Sachs, in her first season of lacrosse, scored 14 goals and four assists from center. Sophomore captain Nicole Snell, an attack wing, recorded 12 goals and five assists. Sophomore attack Ashley Martinez chipped in another 16 goals.

Marriotts Ridge completed the season with a 6-5-1 record.

Haley Vail, a captain, is "a fabulous attacker with a keen eye to make crucial feeds and the ability to know when to take her defender one-on-one to goal," coach Amanda Tack said.

Vail worked well with her teammates, brought intensity to the field, and picked the team up whenever it was down.

Sophomore Alli Smalley was the ground ball leader and was admired by her teammates for her hard work and dedication.

Molly Malarkey was the draw control leader, possessing the speed and ability to win the draw and take it down herself.

"She is lightning fast and wants the ball," Tack said. "What Molly's teammates admire is that she never gives up, she is always ready to challenge and push her teammates to the max."

Becca Cairns, one of three captains, was the backbone of the defense with her leadership skills and ability to communicate. She was a positive role model for all of her teammates. Cairns lived up to the role of captain by not only performing her best in every game, but also adding insightful knowledge of the game to her teammates at practice.

Taylor Jones came to the team without ever having played before. She happily stepped into the goal cage even though it meant having shots fired at her day in and day out at practice.

"She never once complained, she was tough, she was excited, and she really grew a lot throughout the season," Tack said.

The Mustangs were down to River Hill and within the last two minutes came back to tie the game, 9-9. The tying goal came with 24 seconds left.

Mt. Hebron was the county's top team this season, compiling a 10-0 record (11-1 overall).

Attacker Jenna Boarman led the team with 32 goals and 35 assists.

"She is the catalyst on offense. She not only has the stick skills, but excellent field sense. She can thread the needle on her feeds," coach Kelly Murphy said.

Boarman had five goals against Glenelg, the Vikings toughest league opponent. She was moved up to varsity and had two goals in her first playoff game.

Attacker Mo O'Malley was the vocal leader on offense. A well-balanced attacker (22 goals, 20 assists), she is aggressive and extremely smart with her feeds and shot selection, Murphy said.

O'Malley had two of the four goals against Moorestown, a New Jersey team that was the Vikings toughest opponent this season.

Mt. Hebron held Glenelg to only 10 goals. Goalkeeper Alyssa Goldeisen made 21 saves. In one game, the Vikings had 14 different players score.

The "team is extremely well balanced. (The) players had tremendous chemistry and should continue the Mt. Hebron tradition in the next few years," Murphy said.

Eight players were moved up to varsity at the end of the season.

Oakland Mills finished the season 2-8, but the record belies the Scorpions' accomplishment of winning their first game in six years, coach Tina Sphon said.

Marissa Sileo (17 goals) was the team's top scorer, while Ashley Beichler (11), Jessie Butler (five), Emily Hopkins (four), Katie Twardowicz (three), Sierra Kelley-Chung, Marci Raymond and Crissy Bourgoin also contributed goals.

Leanne Hise (118) and Toni Wright (33) did a great job in goal to combine for 151 saves.

"They came together and played as a team," Sphon said.

Reservoir had an excellent season, winning 10 games against only two losses.

The attack was led by sophomore captain Stephanie Zaycer who finished the season with 26 goals and 12 assists. Zaycer was also the team leader in draw control. Sophomore Sabrina Palm contributed 16 goals and was integral in the movement around the arc.

The midfield was run by freshmen Breanna Marsh and Cara Dooley. Marsh was equally incredible offensively and defensively, as she tallied 24 goals, 15 assists and led the team in ground balls.

Dooley provided great support as a consistent outlet pass throughout the midfield and was also able to contribute 10 goals. The defense was anchored by sophomores Marissa Dearden, Kari DeHof, Gina Han and Danielle Roarty, who provided spot-on defensive positioning and constant communication.

"Finally, our team would not have been complete without freshman keeper Emily Yumkas, who ended the season with 102 saves and a 7.41 goals against average," coach Melissa Taylor said.

River Hill went 7-2-1 in county play and 9-3-1 overall. Of the 24 team members, 14 were freshmen. Offensive leaders on the team included Malory Brunett (23 goals, 7 assists), Megan Essman (23, 4), Christina Spiros (24, 2), and Jessica Jannetti (18, 5).

Spiros scored a JV record nine goals in the season-ending 18-10 win over Howard. Brunett, who scored at least one goal in every game this season -- including hat tricks against Atholton and Centennial -- earned a Most Valuable Player award for her efforts.

Defensive leaders included Sarah Golden, Leah Thyberg, Meredith Borkowski and Rachel Napoli.

First-year goalie Julie Davis had an outstanding season, making 134 saves in 11 games. She even recorded four goals in two games as an attacker. Davis played goal from attack a year ago. Her highlights included 17 saves in a 12-9 win over Atholton, 17 saves in an 18-4 win over Centennial, and 19 saves in a 13-4 loss to Mt. Hebron. Davis also won a Most Valuable Player award.

"River Hill had a good season and with 14 girls returning to next year's JV squad the expectations will be even greater," coach Phil Vangeli said.

---

user comments (0)