submitted by Lisa Ferrannini
The HFCS lacrosse team is a “club,” meaning it cannot play any Section 2 member interscholastic team and all its contests are considered scrimmages. The team is maintained by the players’ and parents’ fund raising efforts only. The team had a 10 game schedule playing Massachusetts, Vermont and New York teams not recognized by Section 2.
The girls began learning the game over the winter on Saturday mornings in the gym using tennis balls and mats as goals. When the weather broke the team ventured out to the parking lot, still using the tennis balls (for safety’s sake until the players could master throwing and catching).
Eventually the girls got on their own field which is shared with the field hockey team. With the technical aspect of girls lacrosse, it was vital that the team practice on an accurately lined field in order to learn the rules of the crease and restraining lines. This all helped prepare the team for a winning record of 6-4 which is unheard of in the inaugural year of a team. Opposing players, coaches and officials marveled when told this was the first time these players had a stick in their hands.
The team is coached by Lisa Ferrannini. Through fund raising efforts and donations from area businesses and organizations, the team purchased goals, two sets of goalie equipment and 30 Under Armour® uniforms.
Fund Raisers
Currently there are two fund raisers under way. “Getting Pinned” – for a $20 donation (with checks payable to the “HFCS Student Council”) you can “pin” the victim of your choice. The victim will find two dozen pinwheels blowing in their yard. Simply email hfladypantherlax@yahoo.com to “pin” your victim… and the team does the rest!
The other event is Canines & Cars – dog expo and classic car show (rain or shine) on Sunday, June 6, from noon to 5 pm at the Hoosick Falls Central School on Route 22 in Hoosick Falls. Bring your dog and for $10 enter into a costume contest, best of show, fastest dog and most obedient dog and much more. Or, come without a dog, $3 for adults, $2 for students; no family pays more than $10. Enjoy dog demonstrations (Police K-9 unit and dog trainer demos), K-9 kissing booth, Doggie Spa – free baths, vendor booths and a concession stand all day or enter your classic car in the car show. No car? Come check out the classic cars and vote for your favorite! Call 518-857-7115 for more details
Thank You
In addition to the sponsors, the team would like to thank Angela Husser from Bennington Sports & Graphics, John Nealon and his crew, especially Mike Tiftt for his perfection at lining the field, Charlie Weeden for ordering the buses, the student council for managing the team’s funds and Mike Shea for cutting our checks. Special thanks to Ken Facin and the HFCS Board of Education for making this team possible.
Season Banquet
The team will celebrate its accomplishments at a banquet on Wednesday, June 9, at The Olde Firehouse Restaurant at 6 pm.
