By Christopher Tremblay, Staff Sports Writer

The Hopedale girls’ lacrosse team under first year coach Hannah Cairney last spring were only able to manage two wins, but coming into this season they’re looking for improvement. 

“It was tough last year getting only two wins, so it was a bit disappointing,” Cairney said. “This year I am looking for the girls to stay positive, motivated and have the ability to try new things. I want them to get 1% better each day and if they can do that, it’s a movement in the right direction.”

The Blue Raiders currently sit at 2-4 at the time of this writing in the early goings of the season. The two wins have already equaled last year’s total output, with still double-digit games remaining. Cairney has six returning seniors to the field this year, including three 2-year captains.

Once again, this year’s captains are defender Delia McAllister, attack Antonia Rolo and midfielder Emma Gosselin.

“It wasn’t planned that way, but it worked out well that we have a captain for each section of the field,” the second-year coach said. “I’m looking for each of them to bring a positive attitude, work hard and be role models for the younger girls.”

The other seniors bringing their game back this spring are Bea Hava, a standout player who brings a skillful game to the defense; attack Naima Beletzuy, and Cece White, a defender / midfielder who hails from Douglas as part of the co-op program. Beletuzuy is a good communicator on the field with great passing skills, while White is an incredible athlete who knows the best pass to make, giving 100% all the time.

Sophomore Alli Pearlman will once again be back in the net as the final line of defense for the Blue Raiders after earning the starting position last year. Pearlman is entering her third season with the varsity team; she was a swig player as an eighth grader. 

“As a freshman last year, she definitely stood out with her play and you could tell that she had put in a lot of work in the off-season,” Cairney said. “This year she is much more experienced having attended many clinics and participating with club teams. She has even been helping out our JV goalies.”

According to the coach, the freshman class is extremely strong, and all six girls have been standout players thus far and will lead the team into the future.

Prior to the season getting underway Cairney meets with all of her players individually and asked them what their goals were for the upcoming season. 

“A lot of the girls said they wanted to get more wins than they did last year, while some of the others wanted to improve communication so that they could work better together,” the coach said. “We’ve already equated last year’s win total and have had some bonding experiences, drills and our communication skills have gotten better on and off the field, which I believe has translated and contributed to our early success.”

While things look like they are headed in the right direction for the Blue Raiders girls’ lacrosse team, Cairney is still trying to keep the team focused. Despite the improvement she is looking to take things one game at a time and if they happen to make the tournament it would be great but is not their top priority at this point; she wants the team to improve on a daily basis and get the team prepared for the future.