May 31, 1995|By Katherine Dunn
FIRST TEAM AT A GLANCE
% COACH OF THE YEAR Chris Marsiglia, Oakland Mills -- Marsiglia and the Scorpions set three goals for this season and they reached every one. First, they wanted a winning season. Second, they wanted to clinch the second-seeded spot in the regional playoffs. Third, they wanted to go to the regional final game. Last season, Oakland Mills finished 4-8 and lost in the opening round of the regional playoffs. "Our focus was on improvement," said Marsiglia, whose team finished 4-8 a year ago. "Last year, we had six sophomores starting and we lost two games by one goal. We could easily have been .500. There was no reason, with the same players, that we couldn't reach each one of our goals." The Scorpions delivered an 8-6 year, the second seeded spot in the regional playoffs and an appearance in the regional final, where they lost to eventual state Class 1A/2A runner-up Liberty, 17-4. With that roster full of juniors, this season marked the third step in a four-year plan for Marsiglia, a field hockey player who never played lacrosse until she got to college at UMBC. "Next year, we'll focus on more wins than this year."
PLAYERS
Jessica Brendel, Glenelg Country, Jr., defense -- A good decision-maker, Brendel played point for the Association of Independent Schools B Division tournament semifinalists. She had the timing to play smart on the crease, and she was nearly flawless on the double team. Brendel always knew when to hold her position and when to go for the double. Given the chance, Brendel could get involved in the offense as well, contributing two goals and an assist.
Lynette Chastant, Mount Hebron, Sr., midfield -- Always an offensive threat at attack wing, Chastant bolstered her defensive skills this season. She got more involved in sparking the Vikings' transition by forcing midfield turnovers, especially on the trail checks. But the repeat first-teamer also scored 34 goals and had 12 assists for the Class 3A/4A state champions. Selected as an honorable mention All-American and to the Chesapeake schoolgirl team, Chastant is headed for Delaware.
Carrie Everett, Glenelg Country, Jr., midfield -- A second-team pick last year, Everett was the offensive spark behind the Dragons' 15-4 season and an appearance in the AIS B Division Tournament semifinal. Even though she played center, she proved a determined go-to-goal player and led her team with 56 goals and nine assists.
Amber Fanta, Mount Hebron, Sr., attack -- The Vikings' assist leader, Fanta came within one of tying the school record for assists in a single game when she dished out six in the regional championship. Fanta showed great patience as well as an ability to remain calm under pressure. As a result, she had 37 assists to go along with her 28 goals. She will play next year at Gettysburg.
Laura Foerster, Howard, Sr., attack -- With the best shot on her team, Foerster moved from the midfield to second home this season. She finished second in scoring with 50 goals and 16 assists for the 7-6 Lions. With good speed and marking capability, Foerster proved a strong defensive player, forcing quick turnovers and coming up with the loose balls. Her midfield ball control, especially off the draws, was a key for the Lions. A repeat first-teamer, Foerster is bound for Old Dominion.
Erica Hensley, Howard, Jr., midfield -- A workhorse at center, Hensley controlled the midfield for the Lions. She was a complete player with the speed, the shot and the stickwork as well as strong defensive instincts. A key to transition, she also could finish, leading the Lions with 55 goals and 19 assists. One of her best outings came in an 11-9 regional semifinal loss to Centennial in which she scored five goals.
Katie Garrity, Centennial, Soph., goalie -- With a lot of natural ability and good stickwork, Garrity improved quickly in her first season on varsity. Her quickness and good instincts helped her make 168 saves as the 12-2 Eagles reached the regional final. One of her best efforts was a 12-save performance in an 11-9 regional semifinal win over Howard. Unfortunately for the Eagles, Garrity won't be back next year, because her family is moving to Texas this summer.
Julie Kickham, Mount Hebron, Jr., defense -- The best athlete othe Vikings team, Kickham combined great quickness and speed with strong defensive instincts to come up with the big steals and the big interceptions. At third man, she could play crease defense or midfield defense equally well. She could also score contributing five goals and 23 assists. A repeat first-teamer, Kickham played for the Chesapeake schoolgirl team and was named an honorable mention All-American.
