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2022 News-Herald girls lacrosse all-stars

ben hercik, the news-herald, willoughby, ohio
·6 min read

Jun. 15—PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Peyton Gellin

Senior, Chagrin Falls

Against the toughest schedule in Northeast Ohio, Gellin found a way to churn out 62 goals on the season. The Midfield Player of the Year for Region Six, Gellin helped guide the Tigers back to the state final. Her five goals helped Chagrin Falls be ahead for the majority of the game against Mariemont. While always a threat on the offensive end, Gellin's defense was just as strong. She forced 60 ground balls and had 42 takeaways which forced teams to try and keep the ball away from her on both ends of the field. The Kent State signee was also strong in the circle as she won 91 draws on the season. Was also named first team All-Ohio and an All-American as well.

COACH OF THE YEAR

Alison Platz, Chardon

It's not often that a team loses a player who recorded 125 goals last season and makes it further in the playoffs. Yet that is what coach Alison Platz and Chardon did this season with a young group. With a team that featured only one senior, the young Hilltoppers all shared the load when it came to the scoring distribution as four finished with over 25 goals on the season. Two of the top five scorers as well were freshmen. Defensively, Chardon was led by a sophomore in goal that orchestrated the defense. The young team shattered expectations as they went 12-5 and reached the regional semifinals under Platz tutelage. With almost everyone back next season, the Hilltoppers could once again be a team that makes a run.

FIRST TEAM

(In alphabetical order)

A Rylee Anderson, Jr., Lake Catholic

Emerged as the No. 2 attacker this season with her 114 goals and 53 assists. With the strong Cougars attack, found her groove this season as well. First team Region 6.

A Maddie Blazey, Sr., Kenston

Another strong campaign from the Bombers' offensive leader as she finished with 66 goals and 17 assists. With her lacrosse IQ, allows her to make the read that is able to find the right pass for the situation. First team Region 6 and Slippery Rock signee.

M Sarah Burgess, Sr., Chagrin Falls

Was solid on both sides of the field for Chagrin Falls and helped lead the defense especially early in the season. First team Region 6.

A Aubree Daugherty, Sr., Chagrin Falls

The second option in the Tigers' attack, Daugherty was both a strong attacker (55 goals) and the main ball distributor (43 assists). Was named first team and Attack Player of the Year in Region 6. Swathmore signee.

M Morgan Mintz, Sr., Kenston

Mintz emerged as the defensive leader for the Bombers this season with her 56 ground balls and created 30 turnovers. Also won 90 draws and recorded 34 goals while playing 50 minutes every game. Second team Region 6.

G Kirea Moran, So., Chagrin Falls

Was strong between the pipes for the Tigers with her 104 saves on the season. Recorded 10 saves in the state championship and was named second team all region 6.

D Jane Peck, Sr., Chagrin Falls

Defensive leader for the Tigers, finished with 17 ground balls and 12 takeaways. First team Region 6 and LaSalle signee.

D Elizabeth Rankin, Jr., Chagrin Falls

Another strong defender for the Tigers, Rankin helped bolster a stout Tigers defense through the season. First team Region 6.

A Brynne Stewart, Sr., West Geauga

Finished with 73 goals on the season to lead the Wolverines. Also recorded 59 ground balls and won 61 draws on the season. Washington and Jefferson signee.

M Mila Udovicic, Sr., Lake Catholic

Finished with a total of 173 points on the season with her 119 goals and 54 assists, once again breaking her school record for goals in a season. Also was a force in the draw circle with 161 draws won. Was named First team Region 6 and Seton Hill signee.

M Olivia Usatch, Sr, Riverside

The leader for the Beavers, Usatch finished the season with 65 goals and 22 assists. Defensively, caused 25 takeaways, 42 ground balls and also 121 draws won. Robert Morris signee.

SECOND TEAM

(In alphabetical order)

D Sam Bergansky, Sr., Kenston: Also put together a strong defensive season with her 45 ground balls and 31 turnovers, which ranked second and first for the Bombers respectively. Honorable mention Region 6.

A Sofia Beseth, Sr., Hawken: Led the way for a young Hawks team with 45 goals while the underclassmen got their feet under them. First team Region 6. Vassar signee for field hockey.

D Liv Busby, Sr., Gilmour: Caused 13 ground balls and 6 turnovers during a challenging season for the Lancers. Was named all Region 6 honorable mention. Illinois Wesleyan signee.

M Alex Chinnici, So., Chagrin Falls: Took some time to find her rhythm but became a strong option for the Tigers as she finished with 30 goals and 28 assists on offense while she caused 22 ground balls defensively. Also had the game-winning goal in the state semifinals with 18 seconds left in overtime. Second team Region 6.

D Madeline Christie, Sr., Chardon: The lone senior for the Hilltoppers, Christie was a force on defense, causing 26 ground balls. Second team Region 6.

A Amanda Eastman, Sr., Kenston: Her field vision was crucial for Kenston's run to a regional semifinal as she recorded 33 assists. Second team Region 6.

G Maeve Lennon, Sr., NDCL: A strong year in the goal for the Lions senior as she recorded 155 saves on the season which kept the Lions in striking distance of every game.

A Stella Parrish, Jr., Chardon: Was the lead scorer for the Hilltoppers this season with her 58 goals on the season. Will once again be counted on next season to be the leader of the Hilltopper attack.

M Payton Platz, Fr., Chardon: Slid into the No. 2 slot for the scoring duties with her 44 on the season while she also recorded 24 assists. Also led the team in ground balls with 45 and created 20 turnovers. Second-team Region 6.

M Jenna Thompson, Sr., Kenston: Finished with 22 goals and 26 ground balls for the Bombers. A leader on both ends for the Bombers. Second team Region 6.

D Alex Udovicic, Fr., Lake Catholic: A strong defender in her first year at the varsity level, created 47 ground balls and 21 turnovers. Second team Region 6.

HONOR ROLL

Beaumont: Lauren Bangasser, India Williams, Chagrin Falls: Bailey Corto, Oakleigh Neithammer, Chardon: Elle Deszcykiewicz, Grace Darone, Gray Tyminski, Makenna Ricketts, Maggie Slack, Gilmour: Rylyn Anderson, Sadie Morley, Shannon Ahearn, Hawken: Kiera Levine, Kate Milbourn, Olivia Vitantonio, Sabina Strautnieks, Kenston: Ava Arslanian, Lilly Peters, Alexis Black, Lake Catholic: Malaina Vincent, Jessica Kropf, Mentor: Autumn Stockmaster, Rachel Kroeger, Veronica Yanosko, NDCL: Maeve Lennon, Ava Pietrangelo, Grace Rowan, Braelyn Beers, Riverside: Jaclyn Napier, Chloe Bano, Marygrace Hendershot, West Geauga: Isabelle Chapin, Courtney Whiting, Maitland Fuentes