Associated Press
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
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Girls lacrosse Top 10
Girls lacrosse notebook
Spring in step for Warriors

Centennial

Favorite: Cherry Creek

Contenders: Smoky Hill, Mullen

Outlook: Two-time defending state champion Cherry Creek always seems to find a perfect blend of experienced leaders and young talent, and the Bruins always seem to win the state championship (six since 1999). Mullen, like most every other team, wants to upset Cherry Creek, and goalkeeper Alisa Konishi is the Mustangs’ wild card. Smoky Hill has a few holes to fill but should be in the mix, while Grandview has appeared on the verge the past couple of seasons but has yet to produce.

Top players: Meredith Dodd, Boulder, Sr.; Kristi Irgens, Smoky Hill, Sr.; Lauren Johnson, Cherry Creek, Sr.; Alisa Konishi, Mullen, Sr.; Lindsey McMorris, Mullen, Sr.; J.J. Smith, Grandview, Sr.; Carly Wagner, Smoky Hill, Sr.; Ashley Walters, Grandview, Sr.; Allie Welsh, Cherry Creek, Sr.

Continental

Favorite: Arapahoe

Contenders: Chaparral, Regis-Jesuit, Heritage-Littleton

Outlook: Many believe this is the year for the Arapahoe Warriors, a team of close-knit seniors with skills. An unproven goalkeeper raises some concern, as does the caliber of the league’s teams. Chaparral won’t sneak up on anybody from here on out, but the Wolverines are good enough to go toe-to-toe against any team’s best. Heritage-Littleton and Regis might be teams heading in different directions, with the latter finding its footing and looking for a playoff victory while the former needs to find help for its few standout players.

Top players: Channing Ahbe, Arapahoe, Sr.; Olivia Annalora, Heritage-Littleton, Sr.; Chelsea Cyester, Chaparral, Jr.; Elizabeth Datino, Heritage-Littleton, Jr.; Meredith Dunn, Regis Jesuit, Jr.; Katie Gerhard, Arapahoe, Sr.; Bridget McGann, Regis Jesuit, So.; Sarah Moyer, Regis Jesuit, Jr.; Alexis Rawlins, Regis Jesuit, Jr.; Kate Spring, Arapahoe, Sr.; Anna Wallingford, Heritage-Littleton, Sr.

Jefferson County

Favorite: Golden

Contenders: Ralston Valley, Columbine

Outlook: Golden exceeded expectations last season under new head coach Crystal Sagan, and that success and playoff experience figures to translate positively this time around. Ralston Valley took a hit from graduation and will need to gel early, and the story is similar at Columbine. Wheat Ridge, which qualified for the 2007 playoffs despite only four victories, hopes to build on that lucky roll of the dice.

Top players: Sydney Berdon, Evergreen, Jr.; Becca Conklin, Golden, Sr.; Alex Fouts, Columbine, Sr.; Rachel Hebberd, Golden, So.; Phaedra Randolph, Ralston Valley, Jr.; Ashley Sanders, Chatfield, Jr.; Abby Spencer, Ralston Valley, Sr.; Courtney Tamulis, Green Mountain, Sr.; Sonorah Vinyard, Columbine, Jr.

Metro

Favorite: Kent Denver

Contenders: Colorado Academy, Denver East, St. Mary’s Academy

Outlook: Kent Denver, despite its unchallenged status as a state powerhouse, often stands in the shadow of Cherry Creek. The Sun Devils, however, should have little trouble winning a quality league that features 2007 state semifinalist Denver East, 2000 state champion Colorado Academy and an improving St. Mary’s Academy program. Denver East has a new coach in Callie McRitchie and a lot of new faces, making another deep playoff run difficult to predict.

Top players: Ali Abramovitz, Colorado Academy, Sr.; Kappner Clark, St. Mary’s Academy, Sr.; Lauren Davis, St. Mary’s Academy, Sr.; Kaiti Delaney, Kent Denver, Sr.; Helen Gaffigan, Denver East, So.; Megan McGinnis, Colorado Academy, So.; Lauren Napheys, Denver East, Sr.; Annie Scott, St. Mary’s Academy, Jr.; Kara Secora, Kent Denver, Sr.; Lexi Sigler, Denver East, Sr.; Annie Stookesberry, Kent Denver, Sr.; Alyssa Vigil, Kent Denver, Jr.

Southern

Favorite: Air Academy

Contenders: Cheyenne Mountain, Liberty

Outlook: Air Academy is the heavy favorite here, and an unexpected first-round playoff exit last season is more than enough motivation for them to power to a league title. Liberty twins Alex and Tiffany Meade are still hoping to give the program its first playoff berth, and things look good this season. Almost the entire starting lineup is back. Cheyenne Mountain should battle for second place, while Palmer will look to capitalize on a surprise winning season in 2007.

Top players: Alex Beefus, Air Academy, Jr.; Natalie Belva, Liberty, Sr.; Kristen Crowley, Rampart, Sr.; Hillary Fuller, Rampart, Sr.; McKenna Hall, Palmer, Sr.; Bridget Heidmous, Rampart, Sr.; Alex Mead, Liberty, Sr.; Tiffany Mead, Liberty, Sr.; Kayleigh Powers, Cheyenne Mountain, Sr.; Kelly Stevens, Pine Creek, Jr.