The Pleasant Valley girls lacrosse team enjoyed a banner season a year ago, capturing both the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference and District 11 Class 3A championships.

The Bears return a number of talented players from that club, and hope to compete again for more titles this season.

Leading the way for PV is Devon Bush, last year’s Times News/Lehigh Valley Health Network Lacrosse Player of the Year.

Below are capsules on the four area lacrosse teams:

GIRLS

PLEASANT VALLEY

Head Coach: Toni Bush

Last year’s record: 24-1 overall, District 11 Class 3A champion, advanced to second round of states.

Key players lost: Cecilia Cordova, Riley Green, Jules Kautzsch, Emily Butler

Returning starters/letterwinners: Devon Bush (1st Team All-Conference), Rylee Rath (1st Team All-Conference), Alivia Rath (1st Team All-Conference), Briana Palmieri (2nd Team All-Conference), Olivia Iandoli (2nd Team All-Conference), Sysali Banks, Abygail Borger, Gabby Kutzler, Sam Miller, Morgan Ryals

Others to watch: Sara Lesnik, Sam Ecker

Strengths: “We have the majority of last year’s starting lineup back for this season,” said Coach Bush. “They are led by a commanding group of seniors, so experience is in our corner.”

Weaknesses: “Not necessarily a weakness, but hoping the team can keep up the level of intensity we had last year and everyone stays healthy,” added Bush.

Outlook: “If everyone stays healthy and focused, we are looking forward to a good season. Having the majority of our varsity lineup back with us this year is great, and they will serve as mentors to our younger players on the team. We worked hard playing against some good teams in the offseason, trying to keep our competitive edge. This is our 10th anniversary with a varsity team at PV, so we are hoping to give our community something to celebrate. (Ninth actual season of play since 2020 was canceled due to COVID, but our first varsity season was 2016).” - Pleasant Valley head coach Toni Bush

NORTHWESTERN

Head Coach: Pam Colistra - 1st year

Last year’s record: 8-11

Key players lost: Emma Yanders (Goalie)

Returning starters/letterwinners: Olivia Costa, Haley Kerschner, Olivia Spatz, Cara Thomas, Sydney Wright

Others to watch: Ashley Yacynych

Strengths: A core group of seniors with Costa, Spatz, Thomas and Wright provide veteran leadership on the field, and have helped younger players adjust to varsity play. Costa and Thomas make the midfield strong, and the team will see Spatz move up from the defense to help out at times. Kerschner grew into her own last season on defense, and figures to be a good leader for the unit. Colistra has a wealth of knowledge, and is passionate about the job. She played for Limestone College (now Limestone University), and played in the NCAA championship.

Weaknesses: Colistra is the team’s fourth coach in four seasons, leaving players to switch things up every season. The attack squad is relatively young, and Wright is coming off back surgery, so there may be some question marks, but the early returns are good. The team also had to replace goalie Emma Yanders, and did that with sophomore Ashley Yacynych, who took on the assignment straight on and will adjust quickly with a strong defensive unit in front of her.

Outlook: “The girls are really adapting to a different style of coaching. Every year they have had someone new to get used to and they have learned to adapt and have meshed together so positively to create a great environment, and it really feels like a family out there.” - Northwestern head coach Pam Colistra.

BOYS

PLEASANT VALLEY

Head Coach: John Smith

Last year’s record: 4-14

Key players lost: Nick Landoli, Joey Brustein

Returning starters/letterwinners: Jake Smith, Zane Kromer, Austin Kaiser, Nick Marsh, Tyler VanDerheyden, Steven Walters, Deytan Ayers, Chris Ward, Nate Tyner, Blake Regina.

Players to watch: Gavin Dorshimer, Luke Smith, Conor Rakoski, Chris Tittle.

Strengths: Several starters return to the fold this season.

Weakness: The program’s overall numbers are low, and depth will be an issue.

Outlook: “We are looking forward to another season of competitive lacrosse. The team is working hard to improve their skills and knowledge of the game. We are celebrating our 10th year of being the only lacrosse program in Monroe County, and hoping to improve on our record from last year.” - Pleasant Valley head coach John Smith

NORTHWESTERN

Head Coach: Marcus Janda - 5th season

Last year’s record: 12-8

Key players lost: Devon Hildebrand, Bailen Smargiassi, Blaine Snyder, Stone Sosnovik

Returning starters/letterwinners: Jared Meck, Josh Wambold, Carter Zentz

Others to watch: Austin Bittenbender, Dane Kauker, Braxton Lakatosh

Strengths: Meck and Wambold are strong anchors for the defensive unit, which will allow new goalie Dane Kauker to have an adjustment period in his first season as the team’s starter. The defense has been the calling card for Northwestern since its inaugural season in 2019. The coaching staff has done a phenomenal job in taking the program from its birth to a District 11 title in 2023 and a trip back to the finals in 2024.

Weaknesses: Zentz gives the midfield some experience, but there are some inexperienced players on the attack. The team might need some time to get their offense going as the players learn to work together this season and fill holes left by Snyder and Sosnovik.

Outlook: “I love it that we can look at last season (when the Tigers finished 12-8 and went to the district finals) and call it a down year. I want the expectations of this team to be high, and I want us to not be satisfied unless we win championships. Our kids have all worked hard and they have incorporated winning into the program, and the seniors pass that along to the younger players. We have a good mix of players this season and we have a tough schedule, and that’s exactly how we want it because that will make us stronger.” – Northwestern head coach Marcus Janda