Preseason Interview - Pinecrest Women’s Lacrosse

Preseason Interview -- Pinecrest Women’s Lacrosse

Last season the Patriots won their first conference title and made it to the state playoffs before falling in the second round to Wake Forest 17-12. The Patriots went 13-3 overall and 8-0 in the conference. “We had a very strong team with seven seniors and a group of very strong juniors and underclassman,” said coach Tanner Page.

Along with the seven players graduating, a few other key players switched sports or relocated. Only 11 players began the preseason, but currently they have 25 players which coach Page describes as “phenomenal”. “The coaching staff has been blown away by the commitment of this group of athletes during the preseason. We consistently had the majority of girls showing up and putting in the work and it shows,” says Page.

With only four seniors and three juniors, this young team, most who are inexperienced, know they have a tough schedule but have high hopes for the year. “We are expecting to do well this season, but we do recognize that more than half of our team is new to the sport of lacrosse. We have group of returning players that are great leaders on the field and with very receptive, eager to learn, and dedicated new players we are hoping to play well and be a competitive team,” said Page.

“We have so much to be excited about as the season kicks off. Back in September we weren’t even sure if we were going to have enough players to field a team and look at us now, almost enough to dual roster players and make a JV team,” said Page “Our morale is super high and the enthusiasm and love for this team and lacrosse from everyone on the team is contagious.”

After playing their first scrimmage last week. “The word most shared in the huddle after the game was confidence. It was incredible to see 14 new players in their first game confidently owning their spot on the field,” said Page. “Our biggest strength coming into the season is the team’s commitment to each other, which started well before tryouts. These girls have been showing up consistently to build this team. We truly feel like a team going into our first game. We also have many players that are prepared to step in wherever needed on the field. From the beginning of preseason, we challenged the girls to learn all the positions so we are excited to really play around with lineups throughout the season.”

Coaches have called on the seniors and captains of the team to be leaders this season. Captains Allie Hirst, Lily Wellener and Peyton Page are all experienced and have played since elementary school. “They bring a wealth of knowledge and skill to our team,” said Page.

The Lady Patriots kick of their season tonight at Apex Friendship at 5:30 p.m.

Below is the season's schedule:

2/27 @ Apex Friendship - 5:30

2/29 Northwood - 5:30

3/5 @ Broughton - 6:00

3/7 @ Jack Britt - 5:00

3/8 @ Willow Springs - 5:00

3/11 @ Cape Fear - 5:00

3/14 Terry Sanford - 5:30

3/20 @ Apex 5:00

4/1 @ Union Pines - 5:00

4/4 Union Pines - 5:30

4/6 Hoggard - 11:00

4/8 Middle Creek - 5:30

4/11 Jack Britt

4/12 @ Fayetteville Academy TBA

4/15 Cape Fear - 5:30

4/16 Wakefield - 5:30

4/18 @ Terry Sanford - 5:00

2024 Roster:

Head Coach – Tanner Page Assistant Coach – Jackie Page

Captains – Allie Hirst, Lily Wellener, Peyton Page

1 Giuliana Potts – Junior - M

2 Sofie Bayless – Junior - A

3 Audry Kilgore – Senior – M

4 Allie Hirst – Senior – Captain - A

5 Kayla Johnson – Senior - D

6 Ella Hutchison – Sophomore - A

7 Riley Kennedy – Freshman - A

8 Jenna Pace – Sophomore - A

9 Maddy Matthis – Freshman - M

10 Keeley Ferdinand – Sophomore - D

11 Lily Wellener – Senior – Captain - D

12 Cameron Groner – Freshman - A

13 Cora Kassop – Freshman - M

14 McKinley Graham – Freshman - A

15 Livia Pratt – Junior - A

17 Chloe Simpson – Sophomore - D

18 Jalyn Conyers – Sophomore - D

19 Caroline Hough - Freshman - M

20 Isabella Robinson – Sophomore - D

22 Gabby Donze – Freshman - M

24 Peyton Page – Sophomore – Captain - M

26 Irina Melkumova – Freshman – D,G

27 Tate Butka – Sophomore - D

28 Kate Greaves – Freshman - D

30 Sam Lineback – Freshman - G