By Jordan J. Michael

GUILDERLAND –– The Guilderland girls’ lacrosse team is riding a wave of confidence into this season after making it all the way to the Class A state semi-finals a year ago.

The team won 22 straight games in 2008 before falling to Farmingdale in the final four. The Dutch collected a Suburban Council title, a Section II title, and a regional crown on the way.

“We have improved steadily over the years,” said Head Coach Gary Chatnik. “Two years ago, we made it to regionals; last year we made it to the final four; and, if the trend follows its path this year, then we’ll be in the finals.”

Guilderland returns 16 players from last season, 12 of those being from 2007’s Section II championship team.

“We’re the deepest and the most skilled we have ever been,” Chatnik said at practice on Monday. “Typically, our rotation would be 15, but this year I see us running 18 or more. I can’t imagine a team better than last season, but I think we’ve reached our climax.”

Abbey Fashouer, Lauren Cagino, and Meera Chappidi left for college and Chelsey Newman transferred to Long Island.

“We lost players who not only contributed on the field, but gave the team a personality that was integral to the team’s success,” said Chatnik. “All these girls were all-stars and they all left a notable mark on the program. However, the loss will be absorbed.”

The Lady Dutch averaged just over 17 goals a game last season and seven players scored 30 or more goals. Danielle Tetreault, Courtney Davis, and Jen Madsen will lead the high-scoring attack.

“Those three girls each scored over 50 goals last year and they’ve only gotten better,” Chatnik said. “They do a great job of sharing the ball –– assists are just as important to them. It is hard for defenses to focus on just one of them.”

Chatnik told The Enterprise that the middle of the field has been a key to Guilderland’s success. Amanda Best, Bridget Daley, and Kristen Cagino will be the starting three. Hannah Scott, Kelly Camardo, and Erin Mossop will see quality time as well.

“Our midfield is great because they can score, play defense, and move the ball up to the offense,” said Chatnik. “In the past, we would run four middies in the rotation, but I see running six this year. They have speed and good sticks.”

On average in 2008, only six goals a game were scored against the Dutch and the team only allowed a double figure score against it twice. Corinne Chatnik, Amy Branchini, Casey Gerety, and Marissa Page return as starters.

“Our defense is probably the deepest position, so deep in fact that some of the defense will play at midfield,” Chatnik said. “We’ll never miss a beat.”

Amanda Santandrea returns to the cage after allowing only six goals a game last season. “She’s ready to take the big step as a premier goalie,” added Chatnik.

Seniors Tetreault and Daley have been elected captains by their teammates and Jami Costello joins the team as an assistant.

Guilderland opens the season against Brighton in Rochester on Saturday. The Suburban Council opener is at home against Shaker next Tuesday. “We have our toughest schedule yet, but my ladies aren’t intimidated,” said Chatnik.

“There are several excellent teams in our league and, if we are not in top form, then we’ll be looking in from the outside,” Chatnik said. “Getting all the way to the state final will take skill, luck, and no injuries. The hardest thing about winning is knowing that you can win.”