Must-see midfielders and more: 91 South Shore Girls Lacrosse Players to Watch this season

The high school girls lacrosse season is already in full swing.

By the looks of it, the South Shore is expected to have another strong collection of contenders, as it did last year when Notre Dame Academy cruised to a Division 2 championship for a second straight season and Norwell advanced to the Division 3 title game.

Reigning league MVPs and All-Stars, as well as program record-holders, return to the local scene for another go at it.

Here are the 91 local high school girls lacrosse players to keep an eye on this spring.

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Natalie Van Luling, Abington

Senior midfielder led the Green Wave with 32 goals last season. She is a two-year captain and reigning South Shore League All-Star.

Brielle DeJesus, Abington

Senior goalie averaged 7.5 saves per game last year and was named a South Shore League All-Star.

Clare O'Keefe, Archbishop Williams

Junior midfielder makes her presence felt on both sides of the field. Said coach Ceci Hodgkins, "She is consistently motivated to push herself and her teammates to a higher level of play."

Avery Valicenti, Archbishop Williams

Sophomore midfielder "has among the top lacrosse IQ on the field and is relentless in her play," said coach Ceci Hodgkins.

Aliya Greenwood, Archbishop Williams

Sophomore goalie returns to the Bishops' net after a productive freshman season.

Caroline Batchelder, Archbishop Williams

Junior attack returns to the field after a run to the Final Four in hockey this winter. Coach Ceci Hodgkins said she "creates numerous scoring opportunities for her teammates and is one of our greatest offensive threats."

Callie Burchill, Braintree

Senior midfielder is committed to play at Bentley University next spring.

Ava MacDonald, Braintree

Senior midfielder is committed to play at Assumption University next year.

Claire Joyce, Braintree

Senior attacker is committed to play at St. Joseph's in Connecticut next year.

Bella Duffy, Braintree

Last year, this junior attacker registered 61 goals and 13 assists, and eclipsed 100 career goals. She is committed to Iona University.

Emily Keefe, Bridgewater-Raynham

Junior midfielder had 104 points (77 goals and 27 assists; 14 hat tricks) as a Southeast Conference All-Star last year.

Erin Rennie, Bridgewater-Raynham

Junior defender is a captain who has started every game since freshman year.

Ashley McLaren, Bridgewater-Raynham

Junior attacker was the Trojans' leading scorer as a freshman and sophomore. She was named a Southeast Conference All-Star last spring.

Kate Lambert, Bridgewater-Raynham

This junior is a reigning league All-Star who has started every game since her freshman year.

Lexi White, Bridgewater-Raynham

Senior attack is a mainstay in the Trojans' lineup.

Devan Spinale, Canton

Coach Kelly McGowan said this senior attack/midfielder is a "leader on the field and off, and an offensive threat." Spinale will continue her career at St. Anselm next year.

Nora Giannacopoulos, Canton

Coach Kelly McGowan said this midfielder has "great field awareness and scoring ability."

Elle Murphy, Cardinal Spellman

Junior midfielder is the Cardinals' all-time leading scorer with 127 goals. The two-time league All-Star exploded for 92 goals, 12 assists and 118 ground balls last spring.

Erin O'Donnell, Cardinal Spellman

Senior midfielder had 69 goals and 24 assists in an All-Scholastic junior season last spring.

Ava Smith, Cardinal Spellman

Senior will be the Cardinals' goalie this season.

Laney Larsen, Cohasset

The four-year starting midfielder is the third all-time leading scorer in school history. She tallied 74 goals and 24 assists last spring and entered this season at 278 career points.

Reese Hansen and Libby Schiffmann, Cohasset

Coach Joe Fitzgerald said this two junior captains are "excellent two way midfielders."

Maggie Slimbaugh, Duxbury

Coach Colby Bartro said Slimbaugh "is a tireless midfielder, who is hungry on the circle and can effectively play attack and defense."

Maddie Greenwood, Duxbury

Junior goaltender had best save percentage in the Patriot League last season (58.5%).

Caroline Villarin, Duxbury

Villarin missed all of last season due to an ACL injury, but coach Colby Bartro said she is "looking stronger than ever."

Lilia Fagundes, East Bridgewater

Coach Hannah Moniz said this midfielder is "a key player that facilitates the offense with scoring opportunities."

Ava Mavilia, Serena Caushi and Lilly Cookson, East Bridgewater

This trio of sophomores are core players along the Vikings' defensive front.

Ayla McDermod, Hanover

Senior midfielder had 36 goals, 21 assists, 52 draw controls and 43 ground balls last spring.

Eva Kelliher, Hanover

Senior midfielder had 50 goals and 17 assists last year.

Sophie Schiller, Hanover

Junior was named an All-Scholastic honorable mention at last season's end.

Olivia Damon, Hanover

Coach Marissa Nimeskern said this senior captain "stepped it up in crucial roles last year and we're expecting her to have another great season."

Madeline Packard, Hingham

Senior midfielder was Hingham's leading goal-scorer from last season, tallying 77 points in total. Coach Carla Farkes called her a "fiery middie who is the heart of our team." She will play at William Smith College next spring.

Grace Maroney, Hingham

Junior missed a majority of last season due to injury. Coach Carla Farkes called her a "versatile, dynamic middie who is scrappy and a natural goal-scorer." She is committed to Notre Dame.

Caroline Connolly, Hingham

Junior takes the draw and was Hingham's second-leading scorer last season. She is committed to play at UMass next year.

Lily Samoska, Hingham

Senior has been the Harborwomen's starting goalie since her sophomore year. She will continue her career at Amherst College next year.

Ava Russo, Hull

Senior goalie has four years of varsity experience for the Pirates.

Sarah Duran, Hull

Coach Dan Dahill said this senior captain "anchors our defense."

Anna Sullivan, Marshfield

Junior goalie is "the voice in our defensive zone and leader within the program," said coach Sabrina Santaniello.

Noelle Finucane, Marshfield

Junior midfielder is one of the Rams' captains.

Julia O'Brien, Marshfield

Sophomore midfielder takes the draw for the Rams.

Makenzie Greenhatch, Middleboro

Coach Sarah Giardino said this goalie "has worked extremely hard during the offseason."

Sarah McCollem, Middleboro

Senior defender "is a key player throughout the whole game," said coach Sarah Giardino.

Lucie Lloyd-Farber, Milton

Junior captain has been the Wildcats' starting goalie since her freshman year.

Abby Naide, Milton

Senior attack is a team captain who has started all four years of her career.

Maddie Hunt, Milton

Senior captain is a leader on the defensive end. She has started every game since her freshman year.

Grace Pater, Milton

Sophomore had a standout freshman year in the midfield.

Autumn O'Campos, North Quincy

Senior tallied her 100th career goal vs. Quincy last week. She scored seven goals in the first game of the season, after recording 66 goals and 13 assists as a junior. Said coach Marissa McGue, "Autumn's speed and quick shot has been a consistent offensive force."

Nina Smith, North Quincy

Senior defender is a four-year starter for the Raiders. Said coach Marissa McGue, "Nina's ability to shut down extremely talented opponents has been a huge support to our defense. There are not many that out-hustle Nina."

Iris Gjoka, North Quincy

Junior midfielder is an all-around player who, according to coach Marissa McGue, "always comes up big for the Raiders during clutch moments." She registered 34 goals and 10 assists last season.

Danielle Cox, Norwell

Senior captain was named an All-Scholastic honorable mention last year. Said coach Kara Connerty, "Danielle is a terrific leader on and off the field. She plays midfield and is a shut-down defender with a great game IQ." Cox is committed to the University of Tampa.

Charlise Cox, Norwell

Junior attacker is "strong on the draw and (will) be one of our main scoring contributors," said coach Kara Connerty.

Holly Panttila, Norwell

Junior midfield led the Clippers with 41 contested ground balls, 49 draw controls and 32 goals last spring.

Charlotte Pithi, Norwell

Junior goalie is committed to Bryant University.

Jane Hilsabeck, Notre Dame Academy

Senior midfielder is committed to play at Clemson next year. She recorded 51 goals and 25 assists during the regular season last spring.

Siobhan Colin, Notre Dame Academy

Senior attacker is shifty in the open field.

Aubrey McMahon, Notre Dame Academy

Senior attacker is "dominant on the draws and a dynamic dodger," said coach Meredith Frank McGinnis.

Taylor McAndrew, Oliver Ames

Said coach Fred Isleib, "Taylor will use her experience as the team's key draw person."

Olivia O'Rourke, Oliver Ames

Coach Fred Isleib said O'Rourke "brings aggressiveness to the midfield position."

Kayla Magit, Oliver Ames

"Kayla is a true offensive threat," said coach Fred Isleib.

Bella DiPrizio, Pembroke

Senior attack is a captain who has six goals and six assists through the Titans' first three games.

Olivia Sowersby, Pembroke

Junior midfielder netted four goals in a loss to Barnstable.

Allie Woods, Pembroke

Senior is an all-around midfielder and team captain.

Mikayla Horvath, Pembroke

Senior is the Titans' starting goalie.

Addie Pyy, Plymouth North

Junior entered this season with 95 career goals. Said coach Becca Brady, "She is great on the draw and can feed from any spot in the offensive zone."

Sophie Vagnini, Plymouth North

Junior defender will also see time in the Eagles' midfield this year. Coach Becca Brady said, "Her speed and strength will play a big role on our team this year."

Kendra Foley, Plymouth South

Senior midfielder is closing in on 100 career goals. Said coach Bri Borus, "She works great with the team, communicates effectively and inspires her teammates to do their very best. On a more technical note, Kendra has great field awareness, strategically positioning herself and always making quick decisions under pressure."

Renee Bechade, Plymouth South

Senior will be a key contributor to the Panthers' defense this year. Said coach Bri Borus, "She has a good read on her opponents, anticipating their every move and making quick decisions to outsmart them."

Grace Connors, Quincy

Senior attacker leads the Presidents in points, over 100 for her career, and is nearing 100 career goals milestone. Said coach Grace Connerty, "She is dynamic all over the field."

Tayah Quinn, Quincy

Senior goalie is committed to play at Manhattanville College next year. Said coach Grace Connerty, "She is active in the cage and really leads our defense."

Seina Nichol, Quincy

Sophomore attacker takes the draw for the Presidents. Said coach Grace Connerty, "She has already made some great improvements to her game."

Victoria Hynes, Rockland

Senior plays midfield and attack for the Bulldogs. Said coach Susan Gormley, "She had a great season last year and I am looking forward to seeing her start this year."

Nadia Dutton, Rockland

Senior will play a key defensive role for the Bulldogs this spring.

Mia Raszik, Rockland

Junior has two years of varsity experience. Said coach Susan Gormley, "I am expecting great things from her this season."

Emily Quinn, Scituate

Senior is a four-year varsity starter who will anchor the Sailors' defense this season. She collected 105 ground balls as a Patriot League All-Star last spring.

Katie Tarsala, Scituate

Junior is three-year starting midfielder. She tallied 60 goals and 38 assists as an All-Scholastic last season.

Sarah Beal, Scituate

Senior will start in net for the Sailors this season.

Maggie Keller, Silver Lake

Keller has been the Lakers' starting goalie the past three seasons. After high school, she will continue her career at Wesleyan University.

Cloe Geraigery, Silver Lake

Senior has been on varsity all four years, the past three as a key starter on the Lakers' attack.

Caitlin Dilley, Silver Lake

Senior midfielder is a three-year starter.

Peyton Mathisen, South Shore Tech

Senior midfielder from Abington is a four-year star, who, according to coach Mike Hernon, "controls the game on both ends of the field with skill and toughness. That has made her one of the best two way players in the Mayflower League."

Kaylin Hicks, South Shore Tech

Senior goalie from Abington is a Kaylin is a three-year starter that "encompasses everything a coach and team looks for in a goalie," said coach Mike Hernon. "She is a natural leader who has a calming presence to be another coach on the field."

Hannah Nota, South Shore Tech

Senior attack from Rockland is a natural playmaker. Said coach Mike Hernon, "Playing with confidence, she has the ability to take over the game on the offensive end."

Megan Doyle, Weymouth

Senior midfield is a two-time US Lacrosse All-American. Last season, she became the first player in program history to receive Bay State Conference MVP honors, recording 107 goals, 144 points and 235 draw controls. Said coach Kathryn Riley, "Megan is a dominant athlete who has led our team in almost every category from the moment she stepped on the field her freshman year."

Mira Flaherty, Weymouth

Said coach Kathryn Riley, "Mira is an extremely smart player who has been a starter since her freshman season, getting better with each year."

Avery Tufts, Weymouth

Senior defender "is the true backbone of our defense," coach Kathryn Riley said.

Bailey Kelly, Whitman-Hanson

Senior midfield and captain is a strong two-way player for the Panthers. She will continue her career at Bridgewater State University next year.

Shannon Balfe, Whitman-Hanson

Sophomore midfielder "is fast, agile and has one of the hardest and most accurate shots on the team," said coach AC Decker. "She was a good contributor on offense last year and is already showing tremendous promise this season."

Liv Godwin, Whitman-Hanson

Senior is a returning starter in net for the Panthers. She plans to continue her career at Franklin Pierce University next year. Said coach AC Decker, "While good at making saves, she is also very skilled at clearing the ball."

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: 91 South Shore Girls Lacrosse Players to Watch this season