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CORTLANDT MANOR, N.Y. Winning championships has become an annual tradition for the Lakeland/Panas girls varsity lacrosse team.
The Rebels have won five consecutive Section 1 Class A championships under the guidance of coach Sharon Sarsen. Senior Chyna Hill and her teammates are hoping to extend the streak to this come June.
Its so exciting to be part of this program, said Hill, a three-year starter and senior at Walter Panas High School.
Hill, along with classmates Alexa Bonnes, who will play lacrosse at UConn next year, Emma Bozek, Gianna Bensaia and Allie OMara, are the impact players, and help comprise a group of 10 seniors.
I have been playing with a lot of the girls since Shrub Oak Athletic Club days and now we are all seniors, said Hill, who signed a letter of intent to attend Fresno State and play lacrosse. This is going to be a fun year.
The Rebels enter the 2012 season as the favorites as teams look to halt their title monopoly. Opponents will be facing a Lakeland/Panas offense that will be even more dangerous this season. Bonnes, one of Section 1s most lethal attack players, and Bozek a midfielder, will be joined by Hill. A two-year starter on defense, Hill makes the move to midfield.
Its a little nerve wracking, but, at the same time, its also exciting because its something new, Hill said. Ive been working really hard, but I also want to make sure I keep my defense going.
With Hill moving up to midfield, OMara and Bensaia will lead the defense. The two know all about playing defense, having been pivotal starters on defense for the 2011 Class A field hockey state champions.
The returning veterans are joined by a promising group of underclassmen.
I definitely see the younger players worked hard over the summer, Hill said. They are stepping up and showing they want to be impact players.
Lakeland/Panas opens the season on March 26 at John Jay-Cross River.
Were a very athletic team, once again, with a lot of fast girls, Hill said. We have to keep putting the work in in practice because we want to make it six straight.
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