combined for 98 points in 2011
Last spring the Tigers battled through a tough second season. losing 10 of 11 games, including three by one goal and two more in overtime.
A silver lining in that season of near-misses was that the roster didn't contain the name of a single senior, meaning that the 2012 team will look like a carbon copy of last year's.
"It sounds sort of weird, but even though we are still very young, experience will be one of our strengths," coach Dan Pickens said. "All of our players played last year and most of them have been playing together for several years. We have a senior class that we expect to lead us to a successful season."
The eight members of the quality senior class include Haley Bradshaw, Jess Erchul, Ashley Gandrud, Kelli Harstad, Tia Jacoby, Adrienne Jolicoeur, Ally Midboe and Betsy Anderson. Midboe (31). Bradshaw (30) and Jolicoeur (27) combined to score 98 points last season.
Other returnees include juniors Brittany Olson and Delaney Wright; sophomores Lindsay Benson, Haley Doll, Kylee Glen, Kaeli Halverson, Shaye Jenrich, Delaney Johnson, Maddie Kohlbeck, Kailin LaCroix, Breanna Raske, Brooke Raske and Rachel Welzin; freshmen Becky Genzler and Shelby Klotz and eighth-grader Brooke Genzler.
"The only question mark we have right now is execution," Pickens said. "We have the skills. Now we need to put our offensive and defensive games together and get some wins."
Although the Missota Conference again won't have the required number of schools to make lacrosse an official league sport, Pickens said he is excited about the upcoming season.
"We have all of the makings for a very successful season," he said. "A good group of senior leaders, some young players expected to contribute, returning goalkeepers and finally, some experience."
Shawn Andeson, Abby Thell and newcomer Ken Demachek will serve as assistant coaches this spring.
The Tigers kick off their season Monday, Apr. 9, with a road contest at Lakeville North.
