The scenario seemed fitting that the green-clad Hilltop Lancers girls field hockey team would pick up its first win of the season Wednesday, St. Patrick’s Day, by defeating the host Chula Vista Spartans 6-3. The victory was the first for new Lancers head coach Sasha Scott.
Scott, an on-campus teacher, remains optimistic about the 2010 season – the second in the fledgling Metro Conference.
“It’s definitely going to be a very competitive season,” Scott said. “Lacrosse, in general, is pretty new down here in the South Bay. The games will be pretty competitive because all the teams are basically at the same level. It will be anyone’s game most days.”
Hilltop received two goals each from Nicci Coyle and Jill Kenbeek and single goals from Allie Malone and Jalissa Presley while Jackie Chapa was credited with two goalie saves.
Chula Vista (0-4) received single goals from Monse Callejas, Ciara Luga and Arlene Parra in a highly competitive showing.
Wednesday’s contest was classified as a non-league game. The teams will rematch twice in league play: April 29 (at Chula Vista) and May 18 (at Hilltop).
Metro play will feature six local teams this season: Hilltop, Chula Vista, Otay Ranch, Bonita Vista, Eastlake and Mar Vista. Bonita Vista and Otay Ranch shared last year’s inaugural league title. Mar Vista is the newcomer this season.
Teams will play one another twice for 10 league games.
The Lancers opened the season with non-league setbacks to Temecula Great Oak (14-10 on March 8) and Mission Hills (5-3 on March 11). Hilltop hosts the Preuss School on Tuesday, March 23.
Scott takes over a young Lancer squad bolstered by 10 ninth-graders on a roster of 23 players. “This year, we’re just looking for continual improvement, a hard work ethic and a good positive attitude. The wins will follow. With so many freshmen, a lot of our first games will be about working on skills and development.”
Malone and Kenbeek lead Hilltop in scoring with five goals each.
Metro Conference Girls Lacrosse Scoreboard
Non-League
Wednesday, March 3
Granite Hills 15, Chula Vista 2
Friday, March 5
Bonita Vista 7, Lincoln 5
Monday, March 8
Temecula Great Oak 14, Hilltop 10
Tuesday, March 9
Otay Ranch 13, Lincoln 2
Santana 15, Bonita Vista 2
Preuss 12, Mar Vista 0
Monte Vista 11, Chula Vista 2
Thursday, March 11
Mission Hills 5, Hilltop 3
Preuss 17, Chula Vista 3
Monday, March 15
Bonita Vista 12, Monte Vista 7
Tuesday, March 16
Serra 12, Otay Ranch 6
Wednesday, March 17
Hilltop 6, Chula Vista 3
