by Rob Klemko
Mount Hebron High girls’ lacrosse coach Brooke Kuhl-McClelland labeled the upcoming season a rebuilding year for the 15-time state champions, indicating that this could be the first time in 11 years the Vikings don’t win the championship game.
The team’s 13 graduated seniors include five first team all-county selections and it’s player of the year – midfielder Jackie Doherty. In to fill those shoes is Monica Zable, a converted attacker who is one of the team’s only two seniors. Senior Defense Maria Gioia, who contributed from the bench last season, will anchor the Vikings’ defense.
Adding to the challenges, Kuhl-McClelland has lost the services of Alicia Krause, last season’s leading goal scorer, and Marriotts Ridge transfer Amanda Wedekind to ACL injuries each. That leaves just two returning starters. The Howard County coach of the year says she has had to tailor her game plan to the relative inexperience of her team.
“They’re really excited about the season and they’re learning as much as they can,” Kuhl-McClelland said. “They’re all eager, they take constructive criticism very well and they’re in a learning phase at this point, compared to the teams I’ve coached before.”
Can Mt. Hebron overcome a costly graduation and injuries to several entrenched starters?
“Obviously I’d love to think we would, but based on the fact that we lost a huge senior class I don’t know if we will be the big guns this year,” Kuhl-McClelland said. “I think we’ll be competitive, I’m not sure if we’re the best.”
As the “big guns” reload, the rest of the county is eager for revenge.
“When you’re out front that long you kind of have a bulls-eye tattooed on you,” said River Hill coach Jay Bond, whose team lost 14-5 to Mt. Hebron in last year’s regional championship. “Everybody’s dream is to upset Mount Hebron. So we see it as an opportunity for us and we hope to capitalize.”
Mount Hebron Vikings girls’ lacrosse, at a glance:
Coach: Brooke Kuhl-McClelland
2007 record: 19-1
Top returning players: Marta Chell, Jr., midfield; Maria Gioia, Sr., defense; Monica Zable, Sr., attack
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