Grade 1-2 squad’s Vivian Kandrotas puts on the brakes to avoid the Pentucket pursuit.
by Eric Mojica
Week 8 marked the end of the Classic Season for all Lowell teams, and the program closed it out with another weekend of competitive, high‑energy lacrosse.
Across every age group, the girls continued to show growth, confidence, and strong fundamentals, finishing the regular schedule on a high note.
With the Classic Season now complete, all teams turn their attention to the MYL Jamboree at Fort Devens, where they’ll look to cap off an exciting spring.
Grade 1/2:
The Lowell 1/2 team closed out their Classic Season in spectacular fashion, powering to a 15–10 win over Pentucket and finishing the schedule with an outstanding 7–1 record. It was another complete effort from a group that has grown tremendously this spring, with balanced scoring, aggressive ground‑ball play, and strong goaltending leading the way. For many of these young athletes, this was their first season of lacrosse, and the progress they’ve made from Week 1 to Week 8 has been remarkable.
Natalie Poulin closes in on the net for a scoring opportunity.
Lowell set the tone early with excellent play in net. Rauri Pollard started the first half and made 4 key saves, while also adding 1 goal and 2 ground balls in the field. After halftime, Riley Gudewich stepped into the crease and delivered a standout performance with 7 saves, shutting down Pentucket’s late push and helping secure the win.
On offense, Mila Ferrer led the way with a dominant showing, scoring 4 goals, handing out 2 assists, and collecting 5 ground balls while also winning 1 draw control. Audrey Whittemore added a sharp 3‑goal hat trick, along with 2 ground balls and 1 draw control, giving Lowell steady scoring throughout the game.
Julia Brown was a force all game long.
The attack continued to roll thanks to strong efforts from Charlotte Petterson, who finished with 1 goal, 1 assist, 3 ground balls, and 2 draw controls, and Evelyn McManus, who added 1 goal, 1 assist, 4 ground balls, and 1 draw control. Riley Brady chipped in 1 goal and 1 assist of her own, along with 3 ground balls and 1 draw control, while Natalie Poulin, Sophia Bedard, and Sydney Smith each added 1 goal to round out the 15‑goal performance.
Lowell’s depth was on full display as several players made key contributions in possession and transition. Casey McCabe sparked the offense with 2 assists and a team‑high 3 draw controls, while Rowan Keefe added 1 assist and 4 ground balls through tough, physical play. Julia Brown was a force early with 4 ground balls and 2 draw controls, and Maggie Reagan came up with a crucial late ground ball to help Lowell close out the game.
It was a complete team win and a fitting finish to a strong Classic Season for this young group. With momentum on their side, the 1/2 team now turns its attention to the MYL Jamboree at Fort Devens.
Next Game: Saturday (6/20) Mass Youth Lacrosse Jamboree – Fort Devens
Kinsley Witts leads the attack.
Grade 3/4 Red:
The 3/4 Red team dropped their first game of the Classic Season in a hard‑fought 14–9 battle against a strong Pentucket squad. Despite the loss, Lowell closed the Classic Season with an outstanding 7–1 record, a testament to the team’s growth, improved skill, and increasingly sharp game sense. The matchup was competitive from start to finish, with Lowell showing resilience, teamwork, and plenty of bright moments across the field.
Leading the way offensively was Eva Mojica, who powered the attack with 4 goals and 1 assist, consistently breaking through Pentucket’s defense to keep Lowell within striking distance. Emmagrace Glavine delivered another strong all‑around performance, contributing 1 goal and 3 assists while helping facilitate ball movement and transition play. Avery Gudewich added 2 goals, finishing key opportunities to keep the offense rolling, while Michaela Marshall chipped in with 1 goal and 1 assist, providing steady production in the midfield.
Additional scoring came from Margot Justinien, who netted 1 goal, while Alice Regan, Emma Smulligan, Gisele Smith, and Kinsley Witts each added 1 assist. Witts also made a significant defensive impact with multiple interceptions, helping disrupt Pentucket’s rhythm and spark transition chances.
Emma Smulligan shields the ball from the Pentucket defender
In net, Lily Brady stood tall against a relentless Pentucket attack, making a number of strong saves and keeping Lowell competitive throughout the game. Her composure under pressure anchored the defense during several key stretches.
Even in defeat, the 3/4 Red team showed the same effort, energy, and togetherness that carried them through a fantastic Classic Season. With plenty to be proud of and momentum still on their side, the team now looks forward to the upcoming LGL season‑ending activities and the MYL Jamboree at Fort Devens later this month.
Next Game: Saturday (6/20) Mass Youth Lacrosse Jamboree – Fort Devens
Grade 3/4 White:
The 3/4 White team closed out their Classic Season in dominant fashion, rolling to a 22–7 win over Pentucket and finishing the schedule with a perfect 8–0 record. It has been an outstanding spring for this group, who have shown steady improvement each week and continue to play with confidence, chemistry, and a true team‑first mentality. Their final regular‑season performance was a reflection of everything they’ve built—unselfish ball movement, relentless effort, and players lifting each other up from start to finish.
Maggie Branco turns on the jets to leave the Pentucket defense behind.
The offense was firing on all cylinders, led by Addison Feeney, who delivered a huge 6‑goal, 4‑assist performance to pace the attack. Bella Cardaci added 4 goals and 1 assist, while Vivian Brown was exceptional as both a scorer and facilitator, finishing with 4 goals and 5 assists.
Maggie Branco matched that energy with 4 goals and 4 assists, giving Lowell a balanced and explosive scoring core. Additional contributions came from Katy Florence and Kendra Dexter, each adding 1 goal and 1 assist, while Lyla Curran‑Benson buried 1 goal to round out the scoring.
The triple-team defense isn’t enough to stop Bella Cardaci.
On the defensive end, Lucy Arinello was outstanding in net, turning away 7 shots and anchoring the back line with poise and confidence. Her play helped Lowell maintain control throughout the game and kept Pentucket from gaining momentum.
It was another complete team win and a fitting finish to an undefeated Classic Season. With confidence high and all players contributing, the 3/4 White team now shifts its focus to the MYL Jamboree.
Next Game: Saturday (6/20) Mass Youth Lacrosse Jamboree – Fort Devens
Grade 5/6:
The 5/6 team battled with intensity throughout a fast‑paced matchup against Pentucket, ultimately falling 13–9, but showing grit, resilience, and strong play across the field in their final Classic Season game. It was a competitive, high‑energy contest from start to finish, with Lowell pushing the pace offensively and working hard to generate transition opportunities.
Maeve McKiernan turns the corner to get past the defense.
Lowell’s attack was led by Ellie Branco, who delivered a standout performance with 5 goals, applying relentless pressure on the Pentucket defense. Maeve McKiernan added 3 goals of her own, continuing her strong two‑way play, while Brooke Sorbi contributed 1 goal to round out the scoring.
Key assists and draw‑control efforts came from Vivian Shanley, Addison Dolan, and McKiernan, helping Lowell maintain possession and create quality looks at the net. Sam Heslin pushed the ball effectively in transition, while Nora Finn and Audrey Hunt worked off‑ball to open lanes and sustain offensive pressure.
Ellie Branco bears down as the defense closes in.
Defensively, Lowell showed toughness throughout the game. Maya Underwood came up with a crucial interception and multiple turnovers, disrupting Pentucket’s rhythm and flipping momentum. Grace Ninteau made one of the highlight plays of the day, forcing a turnover and carrying the ball the length of the field to spark a key transition opportunity.
Additional defensive pressure came from Bella Bedard, Ellie Jaracz, and J’Lynn Wallace, while Renee Wagner played an important role in transition by securing a goalie clear and helping move the ball upfield.
In goal, Keira Pollard anchored the defense with 6 strong saves, making several clutch stops under pressure to keep Lowell within striking distance.
It was a hard‑fought effort and a strong finish to the Classic Season for the 5/6 group.
Next Game: Saturday (6/13) Mass Youth Lacrosse Jamboree – Fort Devens
Niamh Murphy steers clear of Pentucket player giving chase.
Grade 7/8:
The 7/8 team faced a strong Pentucket squad in their final Classic Season matchup and delivered a determined, hard‑working effort from start to finish. Despite the challenging opponent, Lowell competed with toughness, shared responsibility across the field, and showcased the depth and commitment that have defined this group all spring.
Offensively, Skylar Nwaise led the way with 4 goals, attacking confidently and creating consistent pressure on the Pentucket defense. Maeve McKiernan added Lowell’s fifth goal and made an impact in multiple areas of the game, stepping up in her second game of the day to support the 7/8 team and embodying true Lowell spirit.
Nora Kelly cradles the ball as she looks to make a play.
Lowell’s defense stayed active and composed against Pentucket’s attack. With the team’s regular goalie unavailable, Keira Pollard (from the 5/6 team) stepped in for her second game of the day and made several strong saves to keep Lowell competitive.
The defensive unit worked hard to disrupt Pentucket’s rhythm, with Reese McKiernan leading the way with 3 caused turnovers, while Maeve McKiernan and Makenna Norman each added 1 of their own.
In transition, Keira Peters played a key role by repeatedly carrying the ball upfield and helping Lowell move from defense into attack. At the draw, Lowell’s midfielders were steady and effective, with Maeve McKiernan, Maeve Marshall, Skylar Nwaise, and Nora Graham each collecting 2 draw controls, while Maggie Wilson and Abby Smulligan added 1 apiece.
Lowell also battled hard on ground balls, with Reese McKiernan and Maeve McKiernan pacing the team with 3 each. Maggie Wilson and Nora Graham added 2 ground balls apiece, while Makenna Norman, Maeve Marshall, Nora Kelly, and Abby Smulligan each contributed 1, helping Lowell extend possessions and slow Pentucket’s momentum.
Although the final score favored Pentucket, the 7/8 team’s effort, teamwork, and willingness of players to step up — even across age groups — highlighted the determination and depth of the program. With strong leadership and continued improvement, Lowell now looks ahead to finishing the season on a high note at the MYL Jamboree on Saturday morning.
Next Game: Saturday (6/13) Mass Youth Lacrosse Jamboree – Fort Devens
