On Tuesday, the Milford girl’s lacrosse team hosted rival Lake Forest. The result would be a 16-1 defeat of the Buccaneers rival; From the beginning it was clear that Milford was the better of the squads. Scoring early and often, Milford asserted their dominance. With the victory, Milford moved to 5-5 on the season as they try and jockey for DIAA tournament position.
While netting 16 goals, Milford would record a trio of hat tricks as junior Molly Masten, 8th grader Morgan Seilheimer and junior Katelyn Joseph recorded three goals each. Those goals did not come based on individual efforts, they came as a result of fluid passing, movement and teamwork. This comes as a result of an enthusiastic squad that is getting better by the day.
It is important to keep in mind that two of Milford’s losses were by one goal to quality teams in Indian River (10-9) and Caravel Academy (11-10), with Indian River sitting at 8-2 and Caravel sporting 7-3 records.
Milford has a roster boasting 22 players, a large group of both experienced and learning players. Speaking with Milford captain, senior Isabel Betts following the game, it was clear that she is happy with the direction the team is heading.
“Everyone is giving so much effort as the season has gone on. You can see the improvement and confidence growing with each practice and game,” Betts said. “We really get along well together and I really believe our confidence is growing with each step along the way,”
Perhaps the biggest part of team development is coming in the coaching area. Joining the staff of Megan Fry and Amanda Frampton this season is Rebekah Taylor. Taylor, who grew up across the bay while starring as a three-sport athlete at Falston High School, played five years at Campbell University.
Taylor excelled on defense, where she earned two Big South defensive player of the year awards, among numerous other accolades. Along the way Taylor earned her master’s degree in teaching, she is now teaching in Milford and is thrilled to be here.
“I coached for a year at Campbell and decided that I wanted to be closer to family,” Taylor said. “Milford is a great town, and I am very happy to be here, I am really looking forward to this challenge.”
The progress of the team is evident as the season has gone on and the coaching staff is a big reason for it.
“Just like the players, we work as a unit. It’s not about one person, it’s about what’s best for the players of the team. The thing about this sport is that every player on this team brings something to different to the table, it’s up to us to help them grow,” Taylor said. “We have really been working on our passing and making sure that everyone is involved, waiting for the right moment to get the ball in for an assist, is just as important as the goal. This team is very unselfish and willing to work for each other.”
The game was a special event, as it was “Morgan’s Message Day,” something that sprouted out of tragedy. The organization is focused on the mental health of athletes and gets its name from Morgan Rodgers, a Duke Lacrosse player who tragically took her own life while keeping the struggles she was going through inside. Known as an enthusiastic and fun person, it was a young life gone to soon.
“Morgan’s Message is such an important one. For so many years athletes were reluctant to reach out for help, fearing it would make them look weak,” Taylor said. “This is a program that everyone should be behind. We are not out here in a vacuum, these are living and breathing human beings. They are learning it’s ok to ask for help, to reach out, to watch out for others. Bringing mental health to the forefront is a huge step and so important in the development of human beings. Because at the end of the day, it is about helping students, that is what athletics and school is all about. Trophies are nice, a happy life is better.”
