A regular daily practice is still 15 minutes away from officially beginning, but the OPRF girls lacrosse team is already on the field engaged in its stick-work — a series of trick passes and catches that range from behind-the-back to between-the-legs dishes. It’s a welcoming site for head coach Katie Simok, who has arrived after a long commute from her job in the northern suburbs.
“It’s great to arrive at practice after a long drive and a long day at work and see them already on the field pushing themselves to get better before practice even starts.”
The Huskies are on a mission. Improving on last season’s 10-10 overall record is a must, but finishing in the top 4 in the state tournament is the main goal. Upending Lake Forest for the first time in the program’s history is also on the list.
While last season’s leading goal scorer Haley Edwards (48 goals) has graduated, the team has returned Ryen Merhar, now a senior who finished second in goals with 43 to go along with her team leading 23 assists. Merhar anchors a large group of returning starters from last season. Those back include Elizabeth Himelick (attacker), Lucia Whalen (midfielder), Cydney Conley (midfielder), Francesca Bertoletti (midfielder), Elle Herner (midfielder), Emily McCullough (defense), Megan Wynn (midfielder) and goalkeeper Becca Shinsako, who led the team in interceptions last season with nine.
Simok also has the use of some talented youngsters in Cori Conley (midfielder), Emma Dunne (attacker), Emily Charlton (defense), Caroline Cronin (defense) and Caitlin Wheeler (midfielder).
As of March 21 after just three games, sophomore Cori Conley was leading the team and the state in goals with 10, while Dunne had seven. The sophomore duo was moved up to varsity midway through the season last year.
The Huskies opened the season with two wins, including a 16-4 victory over cross-town rival Fenwick and a 20-0 blowout of Maine South, before falling to New Trier 17-7.
“We’re off to the strong start but we know it will only get more challenging as the season goes on,” said Simok. “The girls have vowed to walk the walk this year instead of just talking the talk. They’re a dedicated bunch of girls with great team chemistry.”
The Huskies travel to Barrington on April 4 and host Wheaton Warrenville South on April 7 (11 a.m.). They’ll travel to Lake Forest on April 28.