Marysville High School’s boys varsity lacrosse team is pictured from left, front row, Braiden Henson, Tyler Richardson, Jacob Branton, Jakob Hullinger, Hayden Reed and Ryan Moore; second row, Hunter Wilson, Travis Geyer, Caleb Erwin, Morgan Bisel, Max Shroyer, Brendon Kovinchick and Landon Henson; third row, assistant coach Ron Todd, Mark Frendberg, Brody Overbey, David Bonczak, Joseph Oberlin, Sean Murray and Michael Gingras; back row, head coach Zach Engle, Denver Engle, Collin Baschnagel, Grayson Fultz and assistant coach Collin Cassidy.
(Journal-Tribune photo by Sam Dillon)
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The Marysville High School boys lacrosse squad is under the direction of a new head coach this spring.
Zach Engle takes over an outfit that posted a 6-10 record during the 2018 campaign.
Engle welcomes several returning lettermen including attacker Jacob Branton, midfielder Tyler Richardson, defender Cornelius Estrada, midfielder-faceoff man Mike Jingras, midfielders Travis Geyer, Jacob Hullinger and Shawn Murray and goalie Grayson Fults.
“Our lettermen will provide us with strong leadership,” said Engle. “Several of those guys are going to go and play on the collegiate level.”
Newcomers to the varsity roster include Brayden Henson (attacker), Max Shroyer (midfielder-faceoff), defenders Brody Overbey and Denver Engle and attacker Mark Frendberg.
Engle said one of the areas of concern early in the season is how quickly the Monarchs will jell.
“We’ve got the athletes to play competitively this season,” he said. “Our main goal is to come together as a team and see consistent improvement as the year progresses.
“Hopefully, our goals of improvement will come to fruition.”
The Lady Monarch lacrosse team will look to improve upon last year’s 5-8 finish.
“I would love for us to go .500 this season,” said veteran head coach Michael Burnes. “I’d also like to see us advance to the second round of the tournament.
“That would be a big step in the right direction.”
Returning lettermen for the Monarch girls include Gabby Hill (midfielder-attacker), Abby Burnes (midfield and attack), defender Isabel Delamater, midfielder-attacker Stella Moser and attackers Lauren Markert and Eliana Conrad.
Those veterans will be joined by newcomers Maddie Cantrell (goalie), defender Emma Swart and attacker Lydia Cunningham.
Burnes feels the program has been aided by the addition of a junior varsity squad.
“That is a huge asset,” he said. “With splitting into two teams, our varsity players can focus more on advanced skills, while the jayvees can concentrate on the basics.”
Burnes was pleased with his team’s mental outlook and its defensive play early in the season.
One area of concern is how quickly Cantrell will develop in the net.
“Maddie is untested on the varsity level,” said Burnes. “However, she has attended a number of goalie camps.”
and is working very hard.”