The Norwin Girls Lacrosse team is fighting its way up the standings with a 5-2-1 record in its section. The first round of the WPIAL championships is on May 12, and these girls couldn’t be more ready. The team is currently tied for the 3rd seed out of its section, clinching a WPIAL playoff spot.
“My biggest goal for the team is to make the most out of every opportunity – in both the regular and postseason,” Coach Abbondanza said. “We have 11 seniors this year, and I know they really want to make a run in the playoffs. We made it to the quarterfinals last year, and I know they’re hungry to make it even further.”
The Lady Knights went into last year’s playoffs as the 12th seed in the WPIAL. They played against the 5th seed, Fox Chapel, and upset them in double overtime! They then prepared themselves for Moon, the 4th seed in the WPIAL.
“They [Moon from last year’s playoffs] were just really on top of everything,” sophomore Sophia Laskowski said. “We kept a close game through the first half, then they ran away with it.”
The end score was 7 to 13. Minus this loss, the girls ended on an excellent note and earned what they worked for. This year, they are eager to make it past quarterfinals and advance further in the WPIAL playoff bracket.
Norwin Girls Lacrosse is building more than just wins–they’re building a culture of teamwork, determination, and pride. The team has had to deal with some adversity like not having a home stadium. The team practices at Yough High School and Norwin’s grass field, while they play all its ‘home’ games at Yough. From after-school practices to intense game moments, their dedication is shown in every pass, sprint, and shot.
“I would describe us having a positive and focused energy this year,” senior and varsity captain Gia Fernandez said. “Before the season started, we talked about how important it was going to be for us to adapt and overcome challenges thrown at us due to the fact that we do not have a home field. I am really proud of my team for remaining positive and optimistic through it all, and not letting the fact that we do not have a turf affect us.”
The Lady Knights have been on the road, traveling to schools like Canon-McMillan, Franklin Regional, and Fox Chapel, while beating teams they never had before like Peters Township.
“The team has been doing really good on motivating each other,” freshman varsity player Zoe George said. “Each time someone makes a mistake, there is always someone there to back her up. We have a great connection throughout the team, jv and varsity.”
This season, the seniors have been the heart of the team. Their dedication, leadership, and hard work have not only shaped the success on the field, but also the bond as a team. They lead by great example at practice and experience at games. As they prepare to move on to the next chapter, they will leave behind a strong legacy that will not be forgotten.
Seniors Karlie Johnson and Gia Fernandez have both scored over 100 goals in their lacrosse careers. Both Johnson and Fernandez are playing at the next level in college. Johnson will play DII lacrosse at Westminster University in Utah; Fernandez will also play DII lacrosse at Caldwell University in New Jersey; goalie Sydney Valenta will play DII lacrosse at Penn-West at Edinboro University.
“I do not think I could put into words just how much Norwinglax has meant to me,” said Fernandez. “I have found my best friends through the program, as well as grown skills that have allowed me to continue playing at the collegiate level. I know that it is going to be incredibly difficult for me when I step off the field for the last time with them, but for now, we are all just soaking every moment in and enjoying each other’s presence as much as we can.”
