The Grade 7-8 team listens in as coach outlines a little strategy
by Eric Mojica
Lowell Girls Lacrosse (LGL) enters the 2026 season with excitement, energy, and continued growth across all age levels, with more than 105 players preparing to open the season on April 12. The program remains committed to player development, teamwork, and creating a positive, supportive environment for athletes from Kindergarten through 8th grade.
Teams at the Grade 1/2 through Grade 7/8 levels will compete in the MYL Classic League, which features an eight‑game regular season and concludes with three additional games at the Massachusetts Youth Lacrosse (MYL) Jamboree held in June at Fort Devens. The Jamboree brings together teams from communities across Massachusetts for a weekend that celebrates competition, sportsmanship, and the growth of the game.
This season also includes Select team opportunities at the Grade 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8 levels. These teams will compete in the MYL Select League, designed to offer a more competitive experience. The Grade 3/4 Select team will play a four‑game schedule, while the 5/6 and 7/8 Select teams will participate through collaborative partnerships with Tewksbury and Bedford.
LGL is deeply grateful to its dedicated board members, coaches, and volunteers whose time, passion, and commitment drive the success of the program. A special thank you goes to the parents and local businesses whose ongoing support and encouragement truly make a difference. As the season unfolds, LGL looks forward to celebrating its athletes’ achievements and the continued growth of Lowell Girls Lacrosse.
The LGL “Littles” are ready to play big this season!
LGL Littles:
New Players: Haddon Akashian, Emma Atkinson-Durkee, Zoe Barnes, Madison Bernier, Emme Breen, Shea Breen, Meara Donovan, Emma Giliberti, Delia Hickey, Caitlin Laffey, Morgan Laffey, Claire Martel, Emery McLeod, Piper Murphy, Emma Ratty, Ruby Romanowsky, and Scarlett Ryan
Coaches: Tracy Bernier (1st season), Carolyn Hickey (1st), Samantha Laffey (1st), Kristen McLeod (1st), Courtney Ratty (1st): The LGL Littles program is designed to introduce kindergarten-aged players to the fundamentals of lacrosse in a supportive, fun-filled environment. Through weekly practices focused on skills such as cradling, passing, and shooting, these young athletes are developing their abilities while building friendships and learning to enjoy the game. The program is thrilled to have its first scrimmage scheduled for May and looks forward to seeing these Littles take the field and experience the excitement of lacrosse for the very first time.
Grade 1/2:
Returning Players: Sophia Bedard, Riley Brady, Julia Brown, Hazel Falcon, Raquel Fernandes, Catherine Giliberti, Riley Gudewich, Leah Hunt, Rowan Keefe, Madelyn Kilbride, Casey McCabe, Evelyn McManus, Payton O’Hearn, Charlotte Patterson, Ruari Pollard, Maggie Regan, Sydney Smith, Emma Tessier, Abigail Whittemore, Audrey Whittemore
New Players: Mila Ferrer, Vivian Kandrotas, Natalie Poulin
Coaches: Mike Gudewich (3rd season), Pat McCabe (2nd), Tim Patterson (2nd), Courtney Smith (1st), Shane Whittemore (1st): The Grade 1/2 team heads into the season with a large, energetic group, many of whom are moving up from the first-ever LGL Littles program. It marks an exciting next step for these players as they continue to build the fundamentals of the game—throwing, catching, ground balls, cradling, and shooting.
One of the highlights of the season will be watching many of these athletes experience their first game action. Seeing their confidence grow as those skills begin to click is what this age group is all about. With plenty of enthusiasm, a supportive group of families, and a team-first attitude, this team is set up for a fun season focused on growth and a deepening love for the game.
First Game: Sunday (4/12) at Westford (10:30AM)
Grade 3/4:
Returning Players: Lily Brady, Maggie Branco, Vivian Brown, Etta Brunini, Isabella Cardaci, Lyla Curran-Benson, Kendra Dexter, Delaney Donovan, Addison Feeney, Katy Florence, Emmagrace Glavine, Avery Gudewich, Reese Hegarty, Kenzie Keo, Michaela Marshall, Eva Mojica, Madison O’Hearn, Alice Regan, Harper Ronan, Gisele Smith, Emma Smulligan, Breton Tanguay, Kerryn Welch, Kinsley Witts
It’s all sticks in for the Grade 3-4 Red squad
New Players: Lucy Arinello, Meah Jump, Margot Justinien
Coaches: Jill Feeney (2nd season), Eric Mojica (3rd), Jimmy Cardaci (3rd), Mike Gudewich (3rd), Heather Brunini (3rd), Chris Benson (3rd): The Grade 3/4 group heads into the season with a large and experienced roster, split into two teams—Red and White—with an impressive 24 returning players. That level of continuity provides a strong foundation as the group looks to build on last year’s success.
This team brings a well-rounded mix of strengths, including athleticism, solid stick skills, speed, and strong play on both sides of the field. Defensive play and goaltending, in particular, should provide a steady backbone. With a competitive spirit and a team-first mindset, both teams are poised for a fun and exciting season as they continue to grow together.
First Game: Sunday (4/12) – 3/4 Red at Westford (11:45AM); 3/4 White at Littleton (9:00AM)
Grade 5/6:
Returning Players: Isabella Bedard, Ellie Branco, Addison Dolan, Nora Finn, Samantha Heslin, Audrey Hunt, Eleanor Jaracz, Maeve McKiernan, Grace Ninteau, Nylah Nwaise, Keira Pollard, Bridget Quirbach, Vivian Shanley, Brooke Sorbi, Maya Underwood, Renee Wagner, J’Lynn Wallace
New Players: Quinn Maguire
Coaches: Kaitie Shanley (5th season), Meghan Dolan (5th), Susan Hunt (2nd), Bella Marsden (2nd), Sophia Marsden (2nd), Ryan Underwood (1st): The Grade 5/6 team is gearing up for another fast-paced, high-energy season. Players have been preparing by sharpening their stick and ball skills, building strong defensive habits, and developing smooth offensive passing and movement. As the season approaches, the goals remain simple but powerful: have fun, work hard, enjoy the game, and foster a team culture where every player feels supported and valued.
First Game: Sunday (4/12) at Westford (3:30PM)
Grade 7/8:
Returning Players: Rosalinda Goguen, Nora Graham, Nora Kelly, Peyton Kum, Maeve Marshall, Erin McGovern, Reese McKiernan, Mairin Monaghan, Niamh Murphy, Skylar Nwaise, Keira Peters, Cate Richardson, Maggie Richardson, Sadie Ronan, Abby Smulligan, Spencer Sullivan, Margaret Wilson
New Players: Mia Conners, Camila Jaramillo, Makenna Norman, Aleena Roath, Samira Wagner, Fiona Zurkus
Coaches: Bethany Sykes Peters (7th season), Christin Monaghan (6th), Jerry Murphy (6th), Kaleigh Dunham (1st): The Grade 7/8 girls lacrosse season is shaping up to be an exciting one, filled with energy, growth, and strong competition. This year’s team brings together a solid mix of returning players and new athletes eager to learn and contribute. Credit goes to the returning 8th graders for welcoming several new players into the program, all of whom have been developing their skills at an impressive pace.
With a continued focus on fundamentals, teamwork, and communication, early practices have emphasized building chemistry, confidence, and game awareness. Coaches are helping players sharpen their passing, defensive positioning, and shooting accuracy. The team is also excited to welcome former LGL player and Marymount University alum Kaleigh Dunham to the staff, whose experience brings valuable insight and a fresh perspective. Excitement is already building for the season opener against Westford.
First Game: Sunday (4/12) at Westford (4:45PM)
Lowell Girls Lacrosse Grade 5-6 Team is ready for the season.
