One season removed from winning the Div. II state championship, Carroll girls lacrosse returned to the field in 2020 with an influx of youth.
The addition of less-experienced players might have caused concern for some programs, but the Lady Dragons appeared to remain on top of their game, thanks to balance on both sides of the field and an aggressive approach on offense.
“Our midfield and our attack was a force to be reckoned with,” says head coach Morgan McDonald, whose team took the title in her first year over the program. “We were probably one of the highest scoring offenses in the state this year.
“Overall, our defense was very strong as well, but we were really fast in the midfield. Our stick work was really strong.”
Sophomore attacker Logan Risenhoover was a big spark on offense. The lefty was MVP of the state tournament as a freshman and continued to show athleticism. Junior midfielder Ava Kristynik (Notre Dame commit) teamed with Risenhoover for a lethal one-two punch. Sophie Patton (junior defensive midfielder) used speed to be dangerous in the transition game, while senior captains Lilly Risenhoover and Jackie Reading set the tone on defense.
“We were pretty well-rounded this year,” McDonald says.
SEASON RECAP
The Lady Dragons ended the 2019 season on a confident high, defeating Frisco 14-13 in overtime to capture the Div. II state title. But when news came that Carroll would move up to compete in Div. I in 2020, the team’s initial response was one of concern.
“I told them the news and there was panic in their eyes,” McDonald says. “But I told them, ‘Hey, you guys just came off a state championship. It’s all about how much effort you put into it and how bad you want it.’”
The Lady Dragons showed their desire, participating in extra winter programs to prepare. The work paid off, as Carroll sped to a 7-1 record [2-1 in league play] before the season was cut short.
During those eight games, the Lady Dragons defeated perennial power Dallas Hockaday for the first time in program history. They defeated highly ranked teams in Austin Westlake (14-5 final) and Lake Travis (18-3 win). Carroll also captured a 10-9 triple overtime win against Flower Mound on a score by Logan Risenhoover. Risenhoover scored the winning overtime goal in last season’s state title game as well.
“I told [Risenhoover], ‘Girlfriend, you’re giving me PTSD because I can’t handle all these overtime games,’” McDonald says.
’20 Roster
Head Coach: Morgan McDonald
Assistant Coaches: Caleigh Coyne, Jordan Osborne
Team Manager: Emma Cavacini
0 Sophie Patton Jr.
1 Katelyn Sclafani So.
3 Carson Lopez Jr.
6 Brooke Jones Fr.
9 Olivia Cavacini Jr.
11 Lilly Risenhoover Sr.
12 Olivia Pierret So.
15 Logan Risenhoover So.
20 Santi Hulse Sr.
23 Viola Ajro So.
25 Landry Risenhoover Fr.
26 Brooke Barron So.
27 Jackie Reading Sr.
33 Ava Kristynik Jr.
35 Kaileigh Wallace So.
44 Bella Van Hoosier So.
52 Avery Simer Sr.
55 Camryn Kowalewski Fr.
64 Merryn Bumpass Jr.
96 Lauren Carmona Jr.