GUILDERLAND — The Guilderland girls’ lacrosse team plans to build on its recent success and has one big goal in mind: Winning the Section II championship.
"It is something that we have talked about," said Guilderland Coach Gary Chatnick. "But we know we have to play every game as if it is the big game, and, if we do, we will put ourselves in position to win it."

Seven players return for the Lady Dutch who were ranked New York State’s 13th Class A team. Guilderland, at one point last season, was ranked second in the state.
"We have the talent to be better than last year’s team," Chatnick said. "Our young players have been playing quite a bit of lacrosse and are experienced beyond their years. Our returning players were all starters and have played in big games with success. We lost four key players from last year’s team in Kayla Best, Kaitlyn Vennard, Molly Daley, and Val Feldman. It will be hard to replace their leadership and all-star level of play, but I am confident that our players will step up."

Mighty midfield

The team will be led by senior captain midfielder Nikki Branchini.
"Nikki brings the competitive and winning attitude to our team," Chatnick said. "She has led her field hockey team and basketball team to the sectional finals this year and has earned a lacrosse scholarship to the University at Albany."

Last season, Branchini was named to the first team Suburban Council All-star Team after not playing for two years.
"It is quite a testament to her athletic ability to make such a splash in the league so quickly," Chatnick said. "We are counting on her to lead us this season."

Also returning to the midfield is sophomore Amanda Best.
"Last year, Amanda played mostly attack, but was at midfield as the season went on," Chatnick said. "She scored 21 goals as a freshman and was a starter. In many games, she played like an upperclassman and we are expecting many things from her this season."

Ninth-grader Chelsey Newman brings scoring power and stability to the midfield, Chatnick said.
"We will count on Chelsey to score and distribute the ball this season," he said. "She has an excellent stick, excellent field sense, and plays beyond her years. She will be a nice piece to the puzzle."

Bridget Daley will also be part of the rotation at midfield.
"Bridget is an excellent defensive player," Chatnick said. "But her offense in the pre-season has been very impressive. She goes to the goal well, sees the field well, and has good instincts."

Ninth-grader Kristen Cagino will also see time at midfield.
"Kristen will worked in slowly to the rotation," Chatnick said. "She is an excellent athlete, great instincts, and her stick work is coming along nicely. I see her getting quality time, especially as the season progresses."

Daunting defense

The defense will be led by senior captains Jen Kaye, Julie Malkowski, and Lynn Tran.
"The defense will be strong with Jen in goal along with Lynn and Julie out front," Chatnick said. "All three were starters last season and they have done everything a senior should do in pre-season. They are talented and they have pulled the team together as a unit. They will be able to help the younger defenders develop because they are so solid."

Kaye was a second-team all-star in goal last year.
"This year, I see great things for her and her play will increase our intensity," Chatnick said.

Tran was an all-star last season and an Academic All-American.
"She plays all over the field and may even run some midfield this year," Chatnick said." She has great speed, field awareness, and is very consistent. Lynn makes so many difficult plays look so easy because she is such an excellent athlete."

Malkowksi worked herself into a starting role last year, Chatnick said, and was the Dutch’s most improved player.
"She has excellent defensive skills and her stick is becoming excellent. Her defense is very solid and she makes very few mistakes. She is always there to help out and I see her being an all-star this year."

Lauren Cagino, a junior, will also start on defense.
"Lauren has worked harder in the off-season than anyone and it has shown," Chatnick said. "She will step right in and not miss a beat. Her stick is solid and her aggressiveness is there."

The other defensive position will be shared by sophomores Amy Branchini and Corrinne Chatnick.
"Amy and Corinne played in every summer and fall tournament that they could find and they are both three-sport athletes," Coach Chatnick said. "I see them splitting time at the fourth defensive position. Amy has excellent field awareness, good footwork, and a solid stick. Corinne is very aggressive, her stick is solid, and I like her anticipation of plays."

Junior Lauren Decker and sophomore Molly Barker will also see time at defense.
"They will both get&Mac185; quality time and they have shown a lot in pre-season," Chatnick said. "Laura is aggressive, has good footwork and a good stick. Molly has shown ability and I think she will be solid. Her reactions are good, her stick is solid, and her field sense is good."

Ninth-grader Amanda Santandrea will back up Kaye in goal.
"Amanda has a bright future ahead of her," Chatnick said. "But she is playing behind the top goalie in the area. She works hard and her skills get better each day. We are very confident with Amanda and she will get some time this year and she will learn a lot this season."

Aces on attack

Scoring goals should not be a problem this season, Chatnick said. The Dutch will get good scoring opportunities from the midfield and the attack.

Junior Abbey Fashouer returns to the attack after scoring 35 goals last season and being a second-team all-star.
"Abbey should have an excellent season," Chatnick said. "She made a strong statement last season, especially after she grew comfortable with her position. Abbey played a lot and well this summer. She gives 110 percent all the time and involves her teammates as demonstrated by the 17 assists she had last season."

Sophomore Danielle Tetreault returns to the varsity after scoring 19 goals as a freshman.
"Danielle had an excellent freshman year, and I see her scoring a lot this season," Chatnick said. "She has an excellent stick and plays with a great intensity. Danielle and Amanda Best began last season by splitting time, but they both started by mid-season. Tetreault will be a leader and go-to player this season."

Sophomores Courtney Davis and Jen Madsen will also start on attack this season.
"Courtney will be an integral part of the offense," Chatnick said. "She has a great stick and excellent field sense. This year, Courtney will be counted on to score and distribute the ball. She will fit right in. Jen will also be a major part of the offense. I like how she reads plays and reacts. Her stick is excellent and she will score a lot of goals this season."

Freshman Jenna Crupi and junior Meera Chappidi will back up the attack.
"Jenna has shown a lot of skill and athleticism early as a freshman," Chatnick said. "She has a good and excellent field sense. She will get quality time as the season progresses. Meera has been a pleasant surprise. She really improved this summer and has carried that to this season. Her stick is solid and, after we switched her to attack last season on j.v., her game really took off."

"Used to winning"

This year’s team has the athleticism, attitude, and skills to get over the top this season, Chatnick said. Many of his players can play multiple positions, with the midfielders and attack being interchangeable.
"We have many players that can score and they can make plays that can turn around a game," Chatnick said. "They work great together and their speed is second to none. The girls are also used to winning in lacrosse as well as their other sports. All of our players are multiple-sport athletes and the Guilderland girls’ teams have been runners-up this season in field hockey, gymnastics, and basketball. They have also have had strong years in cross-country and soccer. Hopefully, girls’ lacrosse will put the exclamation mark on the Guilderland sports programs with a championship this season."