Girls: Rolling Raptors, SL Storm High School Girls Box, Rally for Jayde, SULL and Coaches Pool
April 1st Issue. By: Megan Chambers
Hello Utah Lacrosse, my apologies on the delay for this weeks posting. Unfortunately on Easter Sunday I was in six car accident that gave me a concussion. I was unable to finish up my portion of the newsletter. Megan Chambers came to my rescue and wrote the newsletter with Dane Stewart this week.
ULR sponsors make this all possible. Visit our title sponsors Tribal West Lacrosse (website) & MinersTown Strength and Condition(website).
Rolling Raptors - Utah Wheelchair Lacrosse
As an avid lacrosse enthusiast who wanted to bring the game back into his life after a spinal cord injury nine years back, Matt Bowen's journey to establishing Utah Wheelchair Lacrosse began and was inspired by the national wheelchair lacrosse movement. So, the Rolling Raptors were born!
Regardless of skill level, age, or gender, participants are welcome to engage in the Raptor’s monthly clinics. The primary objective of the program is to provide a platform where players, both seasoned athletes and novices, can congregate, compete, and, above all, have fun playing lacrosse (all equipment needed is provided)!
The program aspires to compete on a national scale and proudly represent Utah. The Raptors have forged partnerships with various lacrosse teams, including the University of Utah, BYU, and West Jordan High School, fostering a sense of community and collaboration within the lacrosse community.
Want to Play? – Just show up! All you have to do is sign-in at the lobby of Copper view Rec Center or Taylorsville Rec Center. The Raptor’s Instagram or website always has the latest details.
What to Help? – There are many ways to help, support, or become involved. Depending on the time of year there might be different needs. Reach out via their website, Instagram or email.
Ben Ostler, a key member of Utah Wheelchair Lacrosse, shares the team's enthusiasm, stating, "We are delighted to contribute to the community and share our narrative." Through passion, perseverance, and inclusivity, Matt Bowen and his team are not only redefining lacrosse participation but also inspiring others to surmount obstacles and embrace the joy of the sport. Adaptive Sports is for all.
If you're not familiar with the Salt Lake Storm, they’re a Senior A men's box lacrosse team competing in the Box Lacrosse League (BLL), which is a top-tier minor league to the NLL. This upcoming season marks their fourth year in the program.
Recognizing a gap in girls' box lacrosse programming, they’re thrilled to announce the formation of a High School Girls box team (Girls Junior A) through their Storm youth program. Throughout the summer, they’ll be hosting clinics and tryouts, aiming to participate in 2-3 tournaments from September to February.
Thanks to their partnerships with organizations like the NLL, BLL, Zions Bank, Utah Grizzlies/Maverik Center, Elevated Sports Performance and Fitness, and other local UT companies, they’re poised to make a meaningful impact within the local youth lacrosse community.
They’re currently finalizing the details and plan to share our comprehensive plan by May 2024. This includes affiliations with USBOXLA or US Lacrosse, grants for gear, pricing, and scheduling.
As they continue to plan, they’d greatly appreciate your help in assessing interest within the community. Please share the following link with your network of players and their parents: Girls Box Interest Form.
Rally for Jayde
Jayde, a senior at Mountain Ridge High School and a dedicated lacrosse player since her sophomore year, has recently been diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome which is characterized by rapid-onset muscle weakness, resulting from the immune system's damage to the peripheral nervous system.
Despite her initial plans for her senior year, including graduating, attending prom, and focusing on college while playing lacrosse, Jayde's life took an unexpected turn when she experienced extreme fatigue and weakness leading up to lacrosse tryouts. Admitted to the ICU at Primary Children's Hospital on March 4th, Jayde has faced significant challenges, including paralysis from the neck down. Currently undergoing inpatient rehabilitation, she is working tirelessly to regain her ability to walk. Her twin sister, Jaycee, also a member of the Mountain Ridge lacrosse team, stands by her side.
Although Jayde's paralysis initially affected her arms, she is making strides in her recovery, learning to walk and move once again. While recovery from Guillain-Barré syndrome can be lengthy, Jayde's determination and progress, including no longer requiring breathing assistance, offer hope for her eventual return to full health.
To support Jayde’s recovery fund, you can follow the GoFundMe dedicated to her story.
SULL REGION Teams
GIRLS SULL REGION STANDINGS
Hurricane (4-0)
Cedar (3-0)
Snow Canyon (1-1)
Canyon View (1-2)
Desert Hills (1-4)
Crimson Cliffs (0-3)
Leading the charge in the girls’ SULL region, Hurricane is setting a flawless 4-0 region record. With 19 players on their team, Coach Chad Oliphant is leading a small but mighty force. They've been showing no mercy, clinching impressive wins against Snow Canyon (13-9) away, Desert Hills (19-1) away, Crimson Cliffs (21-0) at home, and Canyon View (13-1) at home.
Up Next: April 8 - 7:30PM HOME vs Desert Hills
Under Coach Alicia Marcial in Cedar City, Utah, the Cedar girls are making waves, sitting pretty at #2 in the region with a flawless 3-0 record. With 27 players on the team, they're a force to be reckoned with. They've been dominating the competition, with impressive wins against Crimson Cliffs (12-4) and Desert Hills (8-3) away, and a solid home victory against Canyon View (8-3).
Up Next: April 10 - 7:30PM AWAY vs Hurricane
Snow Canyon's (pictured above) dedication shows, landing third in SULL with a team of 26 players, they found a loss against Hurricane (13-9) at home but bounced back strong with a solid win over Desert Hills (16-5) on home turf, resulting in a 1-1 season record so far. Head coach McKenzie Hansen (assistants Hailey Snow and Cassidy Sonderegger) speak to the quickness of becoming sanctioned, expressing “We are very excited to become a sanctioned sport…As with developing any new team, we know there will be growing pains, but we have full faith in our school that it will be as smooth a transition as possible.”
Up Next: April 10 - 5:30PM HOME vs Snow Canyon
Canyon View, led by Coach Jody Findley in Cedar City, Utah snagged a solid win against Desert Hills (9-5) away, but took some tough hits on the road against Cedar (8-3) and Hurricane (13-1). They're holding down the fort at fourth place in the region with a 1-2 record.
Up Next: April 4 - 7PM HOME vs Crimson Cliffs
In St. George, Desert Hills displays a 1-4 record where they've faced some tough losses at home against Canyon View (9-5), Cedar (8-3), and Hurricane (19-1), as well as on the road against Snow Canyon (16-5), but managed to snag a win away against Crimson Cliffs (15-5).
Up Next: April 8 - 7:30PM AWAY vs Hurricane
The lady Mustangs at Crimson Cliffs, coached by Amanda Pyatt, have been battling it out with a 0-3 record, falling to Cedar at home (12-4), Desert Hills (15-5), and away against Hurricane (21-0).
Up Next: April 4 - 7PM AWAY vs Snow Canyon
No. 1 Olympus – Reigning as the top pick in the coaches' poll, the lady Titans hold a solid 4-1 record this season. Coach Spratling names top athletes starting with Hazel Baker (#5), a senior captain who goes above and beyond for her team, balancing her own training with coaching commitments. Meanwhile, Hannah Nelson (#3) shows versatility as a senior captain, leaving her mark all over the field and earning admiration from underclassmen. Additionally, Sydney Rossi (#0), between the pipes as senior goalie with a remarkable save rate, while juniors Sarah Anné (#12, pictured below), Lizzie Anné (#17), and Masami Goodick (#8) contribute their unique talents and dedication, elevating the team's performance.
Game Recap: Last week, Olympus played Timpview on the road Monday with a shutout of 25-0, led by senior goalie Sydney Rossi's saves and an all-star effort from the whole team having 13 players scoring 25 goals from 14 assists and causing 5 turnovers with an 80% draw percentage.
No. 2 Park City – Coach Clayton's top athletes showcase impressive skills on the field. Multi-sport athlete, senior Charlie Lacobelli (#6) ranks 15th in the state and 5th in 5A for draw percentage, with a career of 141 goals and a staggering 95% shot percentage. Meanwhile, seniors Sophie Neff (#19) and junior Marcella Woolley (#22) demonstrate their dedication with Neff tallying 114 career goals and 46 assists, and Woolley is goal maintaining a career save percentage of 42%. Plus, sophomore midfielder, Coco Crawford (#9), with a 60% draw percentage and 61% career shot percentage, and Lily Yatkeman (#44), known for her defensive intensity, are making a significant impact on the field.
Game Recap: The Miners, holding steady in their ranking on the coaches' poll, had a nail-biter of a game last Monday against Farmington at home, snagging an 11-9 win at home. Notably senior Macy Hoeksema (#1) dished out more assists than goals and sophomore Lily Yatkeman (#44) causing chaos on defense with 3 turnovers of the team’s 13!
No. 3 Mountain Ridge – For the fourth week running, the Sentinels continue to secure the #3 spot with a record of 4-2 as they gear up for the week ahead after coming back from spring break! Coach Angie Maughan highlights the standout qualities of her top athletes, including Emmery Clark (#32), a resilient senior captain known for her selflessness and team spirit, while seniors Kylee Taylor (#19) and Kalli Guymon (#11) lead by example, with Taylor's dedication to defense and Guymon's positive attitude and commitment to improvement shining through. Junior captains Taya Chalk (#57) and Brielle Fabert-Brielle (#24) demonstrate determination and leadership, with Chalk's drive to improve her skills and Fabert-Brielle's supportive nature on and off the field. Junior Olivia Cannon (#25) impresses with her rapid progress after transitioning from soccer to lacrosse, showcasing her speed and enthusiasm for the game.
No. 4 Brighton – Coach Nash named Annabelle Keefer's (#13) stellar performance as a junior goalie (pictured below), making significant saves recently and establishing herself as a cornerstone of the team's defense. Additionally, senior leaders like Alex Heugly (#23), Ayla Cole (#22), Izzy Gurley (#4), and Zoey Keefer (#29) are called out for their role in demonstrating patience and high lacrosse IQ to younger players, contributing to the team's overall success and Coach Nash's pride in their intelligent gameplay.
Game Recap: Last week Coach Nash guided the team to a 3-2 overall record, moving them up five spots in the coaches' poll! In their first game last week, the Bengals took a sweeping win against Maple Mountain on Wednesday with a 15-5 final score at home, led by MVP Annabelle "Abe" Keefer's incredible goalkeeping skills, who saved 7 out of 12 shots. The team played fast, free, and clean, showcasing their skills in defense, midfield, and attack, and the coaches couldn't stop smiling. Plus, let's not forget those stunning sunsets from the Jungle! Then, Brighton found a second win over Corner Canyon on Friday’s KSL Game of the Week (16-7), with 3 players having standout performances putting in hat-tricks; Caroline Lee (5 goals), Charly Eichner (3 goals), and Sophie Nielsen (8 draw controls and 4 goals). Coach Nash expresses how they’ve “had a lot of people step up and be a spark at different times with big turnovers, ground balls or shots. [Their] last few games have been SO fun because it is a full team effort.”
No. 5 Woods Cross – The Woods Cross Wildcats showcase a remarkably diverse roster, with strength evident across every position. Their defense is anchored by sophomore Olivia Mathews, whose progress since the start of the season has been nothing short of remarkable. Alongside her, seniors Dani Brey and Eliza Sargent bring invaluable experience and knowledge, guiding our newer athletes like sophomores Sophie Burden and Megan Madsen, who transitioned from basketball with impressive teamwork and defensive skills. In the midfield, seniors Ella Holland and Ella Mathews demonstrate exceptional speed and game intelligence, with Holland recently honored as player of the game. Juniors Emmy Richards and Rylee Linton continue to improve with each week, while freshman Lila Dunn brings unmatched energy and determination to every play. These athletes represent just a fraction of the talent at Woods Cross this season, as their team continues to surpass expectations and reach new heights.
Game Recap: On Wednesday, March 27th, Woods Cross secured a 15-9 victory over rival Bountiful. Senior Ella Mathews earned the player of the game honors for her exceptional skillfulness and selflessness on attack. In the second game of the week, Woods Cross hosted Viewmont and emerged victorious with a score of 14-11. Junior Emmy Richards received the player of the game recognition for her outstanding performance, scoring 5 goals and demonstrating remarkable growth in shot placement.
No. 6 Bingham – Coach Courtney McCabe expresses how the Miners have had some athletes who have stepped up on all ends of the field this season and how they “truly don’t have one standout player but [their] team recognizes each player’s strengths and always tries to build off of that”. Aspen Little (#1) is the leading scorer per game, contributing significantly as a junior to the team's attack. Sophie Grizzle (#27) excels in the midfield, particularly in securing ground balls, while also collaborating closely with Megan Tew (#2), who leads in draw controls. Senior Morgan Edman (#89) has been a great defensive lead in goalie. Brenna Miller (#21, pictured below) leads Bingham in caused turnovers and serves as a remarkable off-field role model. Leading the lady Minders in assists, Sophia Curtis (#12) provides invaluable leadership on attack. The team's captains play an important role in creating team communication and cohesion.
Game Recap: After coming back from their spring break, Bingham breaks into the top 10 of the Coaches’ Poll, carrying over their 4-2 record ready to tackle their first week back!
No. 7 Lone Peak – It's spring break for the Titans, but that doesn't mean they're taking a break from holding strong in 7th for the coaches' poll with a 3-3 record. They kicked off last week victorious against Skyridge (12-10) on Tuesday, with Sadie Neuenschwander (#6) named MVP for her ability to continuously “show up and change the pace of the game at any given moment to give her team the upper hand”, owning 5 goals, 1 assist, 9 GBs, 7 CTs, and taking 8 draws. Then, Lone Peak secured their second win last week at home on Thursday against Lehi (7-6) thanks to an impressive midfield control (22 GBs, 4 CTs, won the majority of the draw controls) and a range of players contributing to the goals between the pipes (Winger, Neuenschwander, McMurray, Peterson, Lisonbee). MVP went to Ianna Baldwin's standout goalkeeping, making some crucial saves when it mattered most. Can't wait to see what the rest of the season holds for these lady Titans!
No. 8 Farmington – The Phoenix fly up two spots to nab the 8th position in this week’s Coaches’ Poll, with Coach MacAulay emphasizing the pivotal role of their captains—Ally MacAulay (#27), Hailey Larsen (#24), Edith Bayles (#12), and Ruby Roche (#3)—who were chosen for their leadership on and off the field. Despite Hailey's injury, she dominates on the draw, while Ally leads in scoring (4.2 G/G), Ruby shines as a positive influence and goal scorer, and Edith excels all over the field as the heart of their defense and midfield. Additionally, Coach MacAulay states how “Elle Erickson is one the state’s best goalies, Kate Carter is our best one-on-one defender who is extremely creative and successful as an offensive midfielder. Finally, Brooklyn Bement is probably the best all-around athlete. She completed her first marathon earlier in March and won her age group and the women’s division. She has also stepped up to be very good on the draw and as an offensive threat.”
Game Recap: Farmington faced Park City away on Monday, falling short with a close 11-9 loss. Despite being down 5-1 in snowy conditions, they showcased resilience and fought back, especially towards the end of the game. Elle Erickson, their junior goalie, was MVP for her outstanding performance and 14 saves that kept the Phoenix ladies in the game. Then, at home against Davis, a solid 14-7 win with senior midfielder Brooklyn Bement as MVP for her dominant presence at the draw (won 7 which led to key possessions) and key contributions to scoring (2 goals).
No. 9 Bear River – Entering the Coaches' Poll in 9th this week is a proud moment for Coach Jeremy and the Bears. He emphasizes that while their 6-0 start is impressive, Bear River's success has always stemmed from every player contributing, both on and off the ball, showcasing the collective effort that drives their achievements.
Game Recap: What a week for the Bears! On Tuesday, they played Corner Canyon with a 19-8 victory, showcasing goals from across the offensive lineup (Wilkinson, Larkin, Mickelsen, Adams, Cummins) with five team assists. The midfield was solid as a rock (25 GBs, 6 CTs), with standout performances from players like Cummins, Larkin, Wilkinson, and Smart. Senior, Makenzie Mickelsen (#28), was named MVP with a stellar performance, putting in 8 goals and showing her versatility across the field. On Wednesday, they continued their winning streak with a 21-2 success against Provo, with goals raining in from all angles (Carrigan, Wilkinson, Criddle, Larkin, Page, Mickelsen, Pehrson, Adams, Cummins, Briel). Wilkinson's balanced ratio of goals and assists was a highlight, while Mickelsen's flawless draw control performance was unmatched. Sydney Cummins (#40) earned MVP as a senior for her all-around contributions (2 goals, 2 assists, 2 GBs, 1 CT), capping off an incredible week for the Bears!
No. 10 Riverton – Riverton slipped four spots in this week's poll, after coming back this week from spring break with a previously undefeated record of 4-0.
Coach Dorton's lineup of Riverton's successful athletes: Kaitlyn Davenport (#13), senior midfielder, is crushing it with her 74% draw control wins and killer defensive moves, plus she's racking up 11 season goals. Bella Butterfield (#1, image below), another senior midfielder, is a force to be reckoned with on the circle, leading the team with 11 caused turnovers and generally being an asset on attack. Then there’s junior attacker, Emma Pennington (#38), lighting up the scoreboard with her impressive 16 season goals (averaging 4 goals per game) and earning herself a consistent face-guarding target from opponents who know she's a threat on attack. And let's not forget about Izzy Blunck (#10), the junior attacker who's dishing out assists left and right, leading as top team assist-er (10 season assists) while still finding time to make goals (14 season goals). These four are the backbone of Riverton’s success this year!
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