BY SAPNA PATHAK
It’s supposed to be a continuous cycle: build a team, make it to the top and rebuild the team after losing key players. It’s a regular occurrence in sports, and most coaches know how to prepare for each phase.
But Terry Anderson isn’t most coaches.
Winning five championships in 10 seasons and making a postseason appearance all but two of those years, Anderson simply won’t cave in to the idea his team can’t win it all despite yearly roster changes. Anderson led the Concord girls lacrosse team to its fifth state title last season, but that doesn’t mean he expects that outcome to affect the 2007 campaign.
“We enjoyed it while it lasted, but it won’t have any bearing on how we play this year,” said Anderson. “We’ve had a strong program that’s withstood graduations and new players, so there’s a consistency we can depend on based on hard work and teamwork.”
Top scorers Sarah Anderson and Ali Daniels and attackers Ally Mullen and Chiara Chapman left holes in the Crimson Tide attack. With eight returning seniors, Anderson said the task of filling those holes is possible, but it will take time. Senior Amanda Bacher returns after missing time in 2006 due to a torn ACL, and newcomer Eileen Carew joins the Crimson Tide after transferring from Bishop Brady.
“We’re carrying a fairly large squad, and we’ll sort out the starters as the year goes on,” said Anderson. “The majority of last year’s starters are back but more mature. Amanda (Bacher) and Eileen should be big this year.”
Carew should see time as a starting attacker, while Bacher patrols midfield. Seniors Emiko Boezeman, Cassie Clark and Amanda Dawson lead the Concord defense. Junior center Hayley Coburn and juniors Julia Viani and Chelsea McLeod anchor the offense. Goalie Amber St. Pierre returns to her netminding duties as a junior, with seniors Tess Myer and Jackie Proulx on defense.
Though the team is prepared to defend its Division I title, recent bouts of bad weather have delayed outdoor practices.
“It’s the same situation with every coach,” said Anderson. “We won’t get a true sense of things until we’re out there. Lacrosse is fast, quick transitions, and you can’t simulate that inside. No one person makes it happen, it’s only when you piece it all together that’ll make things happen.”
Concord is at Nashua North on Friday, April 13.