Seniors led the way for Oregon City in 2009
Wednesday, June 10th, 2009 at 1:45 pmBut Oregon City will reload and the Pioneers will be tough in girls lacrosse again in 2010
It will be tough for Oregon City High School’s girls lacrosse team to repeat what they accomplished this season in 2010 – their first state championship and a 19-1 record.
But Oregon City coach Dara Kramer believes her Pioneers will be a state playoff team again in 2010.
“Thankfully, we have five talented starters returning, along with a very strong varsity bench,” Kramer said. “We had a few stand-out JV girls this year, along with a very talented group of incoming freshmen. I am excited to see how our new group comes together next year.
“We will still have a lot of returners on the attack end of the field. Our defense will be a new group who will need to become a cohesive unit quickly.
“The top three teams from the Three Rivers League go to playoffs each year, so I believe we will be a playoff team again next year. I think Wilson, Lake Oswego and Lakeridge will be our top competitors, because they are only losing a few to graduation. It should be another exciting season for OC lacrosse in 2010.”
Many of the seniors on this year’s team had played lacrosse together since seventh grade. And they excelled in the classroom as well as on the athletic field.
Seniors Kaitlyn Harper, Kristin Trone and Rachel Wong were all named to the US Lacrosse Academic All-American Team. Trone was student body president and valedictorian; Wong was student body vice-president; Harper was salutatorian.
Kramer reflected back on the seniors who led the Pioneers to their most successful season in history in 2009:
“Our seniors brought tremendous leadership to our team this year. They started leading the team back in the winter for pre-season conditioning practices and continued to step up throughout the regular season.
“They motivated everyone to stay focused on that final goal of a state championship. Their leadership created a tight family bond throughout our team, and they left a legacy of dedication and sportsmanship.”
Kramer reflected on each of her graduating seniors and their contributions to the success story:
“NATALIE HARRINGTON has been so much more to us than a leading scorer for the past four years [242 goals, 89 assists in four years].
“In addition to leading our team in almost every statistical category, she brought leadership and motivation to our team. She inspired her teammates to work harder and believe in themselves.
“Natalie played on Oregon Elite, the Northwest Regional Team, and Rhino Elite club teams. She was team captain and she earned first-team All-American and All-State honors as a midfielder.
“Natalie will play NCAA Division I lacrosse for Fresno State next year. She plans to major in English.
“KAITLYN HARPER is a leader on and off the field. As a team captain, she brought the girls together to keep them focused on our final goal of a state championship.
“Kaitlyn was an impact player in defense, transition and on offense. She earned first-team All-State and honorable mention All-American honors as a midfielder.
“Kaitlyn played for the Rhino Elite club team. Kaitlyn has signed to play D-III lacrosse for Pacific University next year. She plans to major in biology and pre-pharmacology.
“MADDIE GARCIA has always played with so much heart and fire on the field. Many opposing coaches have told me how much they enjoyed watching her because her dodges and fakes are so outstanding.
“Maddie played on Oregon Elite, the Northwest Regional Team and Rhino Elite club teams. She earned first-team All-State honors as an attacker.
“Maddie will attend Colorado State next year, where she plans to play on their club team. That team won last year’s National Championship of the club league division. She plans to major in biology.
“KRISTIN TRONE started playing lacrosse as a freshman, and her natural defensive instincts quickly showed on the field. She is a leader on and off the field in everything she does. She earned second-team All-League honors as a defender.
Kristin will attend Stanford University. She plans to major in human biology, with an emphasis in neurobiology.
“RACHEL WONG began playing lacrosse in 7th grade, and she brought a strong background in soccer defense to our team. She was our key communicator on team defense.
“Rachel plans to take her defensive leadership to play for Pacific University’s lacrosse team next year. She is going to major in elementary education.
“KELSEY SETHER began her lacrosse career in 7th grade, and she has played on varsity for the past three years as an attacker. She scored four goals in the state championship game this year.
She plans to attend Clackamas Community College next year.
“BRIANNE PAISLEY didn’t start playing lacrosse until her freshman year in high school, but her soccer background and natural athleticism helped her pick it up quickly. She gave us important depth in the midfield.
“Brianne has played for Rhino Elite and the Northwest Regional team.
“She plans to attend Clackamas Community College and major in psychology and criminal justice.”
