Learning on-the-job for girls lacrosse

HUNTLEY — With all but five members of the girls lacrosse team as freshmen, sophomores and juniors, it’s been a learning experience for Huntley’s team.

The Red Raiders earned their third victory of the season in a 20-5 rout of Plainfield April 21. That followed a strong effort in a 6-3 loss to Crystal Lake Central April 19 in a Fox Valley Conference battle.

“We have a lot of young new talent and every game that we play we get closer and closer as a team,” Huntley coach Joe Domka said. “We’re getting more cohesive as a team.”

“That’s the hardest we’ve played against them,” Domka said of the CLC battle.

Sophomore Kate Ferrara has led the offense with 30 goals on 52 shots. Sophomore Allie Schneider contributed 17 goals with 31 shots while freshman Leah Holmberg is next with 16 goals on 29 shots, also  Allie Ambrogio has chalked up 16 goals.

Sophomore Savannah Stone has been excellent in goal with 60 saves in nine matches. She moved up from a junior varsity role last season. Top defenders have been senior Kilee Galgay, sophomore Briana Winger, and freshman Isabella Gregorio, Domka said earlier this season.

“We have quite a few freshmen on varsity this year who have played club or youth lacrosse leading up to the high school season,” Domka explained. “Youth learn the sport by having competed in club lacrosse or youth town teams.”

The elements won out April 22 as the Red Raiders tried to get in a game against Geneva. Sleet turned into snow, causing suspension of the game played in 30-degree temps.