This Saturday evening the AGLA will be holding it's final event of the 2013 Season. Chaparral High School will play host to the AGLA Girls All-Star game @ 6:00pm followed by the presentation of League Player Awards and All-State Teams @ 7:00pm and the Boys All-Star game @ 8:00pm.  In addition to the individual player awards there will recognition of the Varsity & Junior Varsity State Champs and Runners up. Don't miss the opportunity to watch the girls play one more time and celebrate the individual awards of the amazing players of the AGLA.

**Players of the Year & All-State Teams are voted on by opposing coaches. Players not participating in the All-Star game are still eligible for Players of the Year and All-State Teams and ALL players are urged to attend. 

Players representing their teams in the 2013 All-Star Game:

Chaparral
 

1. Madeline Croft-M/D
2. Madeline Sarussi-M/D
3. Emily Beiser-M
4. Gianna Zola-M

Corona
 

1. Holly Berns-M
2. Mason Kuluris-D
3. Zoe Browning-A
4. Caitlin O’Grady-A

Desert Mountain
 

1. Lexi Bolton-M
2. Kacie Rood-M
3. Tori Schiff-A
4. Sara Logan-M
5. Patricia Willigrod-D
6. Abby Spivey-D

Desert Vista
 

1. Kali Miller-M
2. Gabby Gambadoro-M

Gilbert
 

1. Madeline Biggs-M
2. Caitlin Wadley-M

Horizon
 

1. Tori Hawk-G
2. Madeline Schaeffer-A
3. Jessie Roberts-A
4. Jackie Andrews-A/D
5. Sydney Duke-D
6. Taylor German-D

Mountain Pointe
 

1. Lauren McDonald-D
2. Tara Garretson-A
3. Sara Phister-M
4. Sloane Arco-G

 
Notre Dame
 

1. Annabelle Reilly-M
2. Stephanie Sapp-M
3. Alexandra Maxwell-M
4. Kryssia Fernandez-M

Pinnacle
 

1. Nadine Bashir-D
2. Alison Molnar-D
3. Alex Chamberlin-A
4. Hailey Antrim-A
5. Madison Hicks-M
6. Aly Smith-G

Xavier
 

1. Areta Buness-M
2. Carina Arellano-M
3. Erica Blumenhurst-D
4. Joanna Fennessey-A
5. Madison Barasha-M
6. Christine Hall-M

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2013 CHAMPIONS!

The Hamilton JV lacrosse team defeated Pinnacle JV 10-9 to take the first ever JV Championship title.




Pinnacle defeated Desert Mountain 16-14 to win back-to-back State Championships.

AGLA Alumni and current Whittier College Lacrosse Players, Drew Kuperman (Chaparral '09) and Lily Baxter (Horizon '11) have been selected to the All-SCIAC 2nd team, as announced by the Whittier College Athletics Department and the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference earlier this week. 

Kuperman, a senior midfielder from Scottsdale, Arizona is majoring in Social Work and was also selected as a Team Captain for the Poets this season. This is her first year being selected to the all-conference team.

Baxter, a sophomore midfielder from Phoenix, Arizona is being selected to the All-SCIAC team for the second straight season after posting big numbers as a starter for the Poets.

Click here to read the full press release on the Whittier College Women's Lacrosse website.

Congratulations to our stellar alum and keep up the great work!

No. 4 Horizon Hangs On to Defeat No. 5 Corona Del Sol in Quarterfinals
 
5/6/13
Phoenix, AZ-
 
Recap, No. 4 Horizon vs. No. 5 Corona Del Sol:
 
The No. 4 Horizon Huskies and the No. 5 Aztecs of Corona Del Sol came ready to play in the Arizona Girls Lacrosse Association State Quarterfinal game on Monday evening. The Huskies had won the previous two matchups between the two teams previously this season, most recently routing the Aztecs in a 12-10 victory on the same field just three days prior.
 
Horizon’s Maddy Schaeffer (Sr., A) was first to strike on an unassisted goal at the 19:58 mark in the first half. Corona Del Sol fired right back as Zoe Browning (So., A) got the Aztecs started with a feed from Caitlin O’Grady (Sr., A) to put Corona Del Sol on the board at the 14:44 mark. The Aztecs secured the subsequent draw control and Holly Berns (Sr., M) found the back of the net just fifteen seconds later. After securing yet another draw control, Berns found O’Grady open in the 8m to put the Aztecs up 3-1. The Huskies decided to take things into their own hands, first with another unassisted goal from Schaeffer then with a goal from Celine Sanchez (So., M) off a beautiful feed from Maddie Beeler (So., M). Beeler then posted one of her own at the 7:27 mark before Jessica Roberts (Sr., A) scored off of a quick-stick a feed from Sydney Duke (Jr., M).  Shay Grega (Jr., M) finished off the first half scoring for the Huskies, dodging through two defenders and notching an unassisted goal with 5:11 to go in the first half. Corona Del Sol took a time out in an effort to slow the Huskies’ attack, which proved effective, as the Aztecs gained possession for much of the remainder of the first half but couldn’t seem to get it past Horizon Goal Keeper Tori Hawk (Jr., GK) who recorded four saves on the evening.
 
Just as she had closed the first half, Grega got things started again in the second half with an unassisted goal at the 23:31 mark. Matched up against solid Aztec defender Mason Kuluris (Jr., D), Horizon attacker Jessica Roth (So., A) went in for the split dodge and came out with an unassisted goal. The Huskies found themselves up by 7 points with just over 12 minutes to go in the second half but Corona Del Sol would not go quietly.  The Aztecs surged back with four more of their own, two from Sophomore Midfielder, Karstyn Pollard but it was not enough to push the game into extra minutes, largely thanks to Horizon Goal Keeper Emily Lewis (Jr., GK) who came up with several tremendous saves in the last few minutes of play.
 
With the win, the No. 4 Horizon Huskies (9-5) advance to the AGLA State Semifinals against the defending State Champion, No. 1 Pinnacle Pioneers (13-0). The semifinal game, which will be played on Wednesday May 8^th at Reach 11 Sports Complex in Phoenix, will be a re-match of last year’s State Championship. The Pioneers have proved to be a formidable foe, coming away with the 12-4 victory when they last went head-to-head with Horizon back on March 16^th.

 
Box
Half: HOR- 6, CDS- 3
Final: HOR- 12, CDS- 9
Shots: HOR- 22, CDS- 23
Draw Controls: HOR- 10, COR- 13
SV: HOR- T. Hawk 4, E. Lewis 5; CDS- A. Zamora 9
Scoring: HOR- M. Schaeffer (2G), J. Roberts (2G), S. Grega (2G), J. Roth (2G), M. Beeler (1G 1A), S. Jennings (1G), A. Regan (1G), C. Sanchez (1G), S. Duke (1A); CDS- H. Berns (2G 1 A), C. O’Grady (2G 1 A), Z. Browning (2G), K. Pollard (2G), A. Morhet (1G), M. Kuluris (1A)
 

No. 3 Xavier College Prep Downs No. 6 Notre Dame Prep in Quarterfinal

5/6/13
Phoenix, AZ-
 
Recap, No. 3 Xavier College Prep vs. No. 6 Notre Dame College Prep:

Xavier College Prep didn’t waste any time and jumped to a quick lead over Notre Dame Prep with two quick goals by JoAnna Fennessy (Jr., A) and one by Demi Ocano (Jr., A) to put Xavier up 3-0 early in the first half. Not to be outdone, Notre Dame's Stephanie Sapp (Sr., M) fired an unassisted goal of her own to put Notre Dame Prep on the board. Xavier's attack answered loudly with 7-straight goals before Alex Maxwell (Jr., M) posted another goal for Notre Dame at the 10:26 mark of the first half. From that point, Xavier College Prep would dominate the midfield by winning the majority of ground balls as well as coming up big on the draws and on defense. Xavier led at the half by a score of 15-2 and entered the second half with a running clock.

Xavier College Prep maintained poise in the second half by controlling possession while Notre Dame Prep showed heart and great sportsmanship to the final buzzer.

Leading Xavier's efforts was Areta Buness (So., M) who had 7Gs, 2As and 8 ground balls for her team. Hailey Jensen (Jr., A) also had a big game for the Gators, posting a balanced 4Gs, 4As and 4 ground balls. Both Xavier Goal Keepers, Mary Petersen (Sr., GK) and Emily Register (Sr., GK) had 2 saves in the win.

Notre Dame Prep saw a very balanced scoring effort, with each of their four goals coming from different players. Posting points for Notre Dame were Sapp, Maxwell, Anna Belle Reilly (So., M) and Kryssia Fernandez (Jr., M).

Xavier College Prep advances to face No. 2 Desert Mountain in Wednesday's semifinal game at 8pm at Reach 11 Sports Complex. Xavier will seek revenge, as Desert Mountain defeated Xavier College Prep, 17-10 in their last meeting on April 12, 2013.
 
Box
Half: XCP- 15, NDP- 2
Final: XCP- 18, NDP- 4
Shots: XCP- 30, NDP- 10
Draw Controls: XCP- 14, NDP- 10
SV: XCP- Petersen 2, Register 2; NDP- unavailable
Scoring: XCP- Buness (7G 2A), Jensen (4G 4A), Fennessy (4G), Arellano (1G 1A), Barasha (1G 1A), Ocano (1G); NDP- Sapp (1G), Maxwell (1G), Reilly (1G), Fernandez (1G)
 

Congratulations to the following AGLA athletes for being selected as 2013 Brine All-Americans:
Lexi Bolton (Desert Mountain)
Areta Buness (Xavier College Prep)
Nicole Cosmany (Pinnacle)

In all, 72 Brine All-Americans will be selected to travel to Germantown, Maryland from June 30th-July 3rd to compete in the National Lacrosse Classic, a high-profile recruiting tournament featuring some of the best high school lacrosse players in the United States.
Players must be in grades 9-11 and in good academic standing to qualify. Athletes must also attend a Brine Regional Tryout and, if selected,  will be placed to compete with one of four regional teams assembled for the tournament. 

Arizona athletes will represent the West Region Team along with players from California and Nevada, along with other western States.

From the Brine National Lacrosse Classic Website:

"The Brine National Lacrosse Classic enables student athletes with an opportunity to gain exposure to the college admissions and athletic recruitment process. Regional tryouts are open to all high school girls entering grades 10-12 next fall  that want to gain the attention of NCAA lacrosse coaches and scouts.
Players must be in good academic standing and aspire to play lacrosse at the collegiate level. Regional tryouts and the National Games are scheduled whenever possible to avoid conflicts with SAT and ACT testing dates and offer participants the best opportunity to supplement their lacrosse activities while providing a true competitive process to benchmark playing ability and skills against players from a wider geographic area. Perfect for rising sophomores, juniors and seniors."
 

For more information or to see the current rosters, check out the Brine National Lacrosse Classic Official Website.

Arizona NewsZap article featuring 2013 Brine All-American, Areta Buness.
 

 

Chaparral Firebirds

Last Year:  2-12 (Division I)

Head Coach:  Jessica Livingston Barden, 10^th year

Key Players:  Madeline Sarussi, Jr., M; Madeleine Croft, Sr., D; Brittany Brewster, Jr., D; Mackenzie Dipman, Jr., M

Outlook:  After graduating leaders, Elise Anaya (23g, 7a in 2012) and Elizabeth Fishman (15g, 22dc, 21ct in 2012) during the off-season, the Firebirds will have some big shoes to fill to reclaim the State Title after a tough 2012 season. Thankfully, Head Coach Jessica Livingston Barden has the experience and tenacity to inspire her young team. Expect the Firebirds to look to Madeline Sarussi (21g, 4a in 2012) and newcomer Mackenzie Dipman (Walt Whitman, Md. in 2012) to make an immediate impact for a team looking to get back on the map in a big way.

Pre-season Rank:  8

Season Opener:  Monday, 2/25 vs. Corona Del Sol

 

Corona Del Sol Aztecs

Last Year:  9-4 (Division I)

Head Coach:  Scott Stemm, 2^nd year

Key Players:  Holly Berns, Sr., M; Caitlin O’Grady, Sr., A; Megan McGuire, Sr., M; Karstyn Pollard, So., M; Sydnie Grismore, Jr., D

Outlook:  In Head Coach Scott Stemm’s second year at the helm of the Lady Aztec squad, do not expect them to settle for anything less than a State Title. With seniors Holly Berns (41g, 14a, 33dc in 2012) and Caitlin O’Grady (39g, 19a, 37gb in 2012) returning from exceptional junior campaigns, in addition to impact players including Megan McGuire (19g, 7a, 32dc in 2012) and Karstyn Pollard (25gb, 8gb in 2012), the ingredients are there for a very successful 2013 season.

Pre-season Rank:  2

Season Opener:  Monday, 2/25 @ Chaparral

 

Desert Mountain Wolves

Last Year:  11-3 (Division II)

Head Coach:  Zane Clark, 2^nd year

Key Players:  Lexi Bolton, M, Fr.; Tori Schiff, M, So.; Kaci Rood, M, Sr.

Outlook:  They may have been one of the biggest surprise stories of 2012, but don’t sleep on Desert Mountain this season. Returning from a devastating loss in the 2012 DII State Championship game to Xavier, Head Coach Zane Clark got a taste of glory that is sure to keep his team hungry. With heavy hitters in their arsenal, such as freshman Lexi Bolton (61g, 14a in 2012), expect to see Desert Mountain come back in a big way in 2013.

Pre-season Rank:  3

Season Opener:  Tuesday, 2/26 vs. Mountain Pointe

 

Desert Vista Thunder

Last Year:  0-12 (Division I)

Head Coach:  Franklin Connell, 2^nd year

Key Players:  Gabriella Gambadoro, M, Jr.; Alyssa Goldberg, M, Sr.; Andie Osmun, M, Jr.

Outlook:  After going 0-12 in 2012, with two close games against Chaparral, Desert Vista will need more than pure heart to gain quality wins. Head Coach Franklin Connell and the Thunder should look to Gabriella Gambadoro (18g, 7a, 38gb in 2012) to spark the offense and put the ball in the net.

Pre-season Rank:  10

Season Opener:  Thursday, 2/28 vs. Gilbert

 

Gilbert Tigers

Last Year:  8-5 (Division II)

Head Coach:  Kelley Miller, 1^st year

Key Players:  Amanda Sorenson, M, Jr.; Madison Biggs, M, Jr.; Annie Boyster, D, Jr.; Maddie Mosqueda, GK, Sr.

Outlook:  First-year Head Coach Kelley Miller has her work cut out for her as she inherits a well-disciplined squad that suffered losses after graduating their top three leading scorers, including impact players, Rachelle Mariner (44g, 12a, 103dc in 2012) and Kira Williams (28g, 19gb in 2012). Senior Goalkeeper, Maddie Mosqueda will need help from her teammates if the Tigers want a shot at playoff contention in 2013.

Pre-season Rank:  9

Season Opener:  Thursday, 2/28 @ Desert Vista

 

Horizon Huskies

Last Year:  10-5 (Division I)

Head Coach:  Shannon Nolan, 1^st year

Key Players:  Madison Beeler, So., M; Maddy Schaeffer, Sr., A; Sydney Duke, Jr., M; Taylor German, Jr., D; Tori Hawk, Jr., GK

Outlook:  With new Head Coach, Shannon Nolan, at the helm and the loss of leading scorer, Erika Bradley (43g, 34gb in 2012), the Huskies will need more than pure skill to lead them to the 2013 State Title game. Luckily, veterans Maddy Schaeffer (19g, 6a in 2012), Madison Beeler (21g, 26dc in 2012) and Sydney Duke (11g, 18ct in 2012) will be at the forefront of a young squad and defensive standouts Taylor German (35gb, 19ct in 2012) and Tori Hawk (115sv, 54.0%svp in 2012) surely won’t go down without a fight.

Pre-season Rank:  4

Season Opener:  Tuesday, 2/26 @ Pinnacle (2012 State Championship Re-match)

 

Mountain Pointe Pride

Last Year:  4-8 (Division I)

Head Coach:  Jim Baker, 6^th year

Key Players:  Sara Phister, Sr., M; Nicole Eakins, Sr., D; Amber Eakins, Fr., M; Lauren McDonald, Sr., D; Sloane Arco, Jr., GK

Outlook:  Don’t let last year’s record fool you. Head Coach Jim Baker and the Pride return their leading scorer, Sara Phister (40g, 16a in 2012) and All-State Defender, Lauren McDonald (50gb, 62ct, 7a in 2012). With the help of sisters Nicole Eakins (20gb, 10ct in 2012) & Amber Eakins and returning goalkeeper, Sloane Arco (100sv, 49.3%svp in 2012), the challenge for the Pride will likely be finding the arsenal on offense that their defense certainly does not lack.

Pre-season Rank:  6

Season Opener:  Tuesday, 2/26 @ Desert Mountain

 

Notre Dame Prep Saints

Last Year:  6-8 (Division I)

Head Coach:  Joy Greenberg, 2^nd year

Key Players:  Stephanie Sapp, Sr., M; Alexandra Maxwell, Jr., A; Meg Cahill, Jr., GK

Outlook:  With a 6-8 record in Division I and a rather unpredictable season, NDP was able to claw their way to a playoff berth and finish in the top four in 2012, just barely losing to Pinnacle 13-12 in the State Semifinal game. Head Coach, Joy Greenberg and her Saints will have their work cut out for them in 2013 to contend for the top spot. After graduating All-America Honorable Mention Vanessa Fernandez (42g, 18a, 59dc in 2012), the team will likely rely heavily on senior, Stephanie Sapp (38g, 6a in 2012) to lead the way.

Pre-season Rank:  7

Season Opener:  Wednesday, 2/27 vs. Chaparral

 

Pinnacle Pioneers

Last Year:  14-1 (Division I)*

Head Coach:  Brianne Ruzek, 2^nd year

Key Players:  Hailey Antrim, Sr., A; Madi Hicks, Sr., A; Alex Chamberlin, Sr., A; Nadine Bashir, Sr., M; Alison Molnar, Sr., D; Nicole Cosmany, So., M; Katarina Johnston, So., M; Aly Smith, Jr., GK

Outlook:  Look for the 2012 AGLA State Champions to return even stronger in 2013 with a solid core of returners including senior captains, Nadine Bashir (16g, 30gb in 2012), Alex Chamberlin (16g, 19a in 2012) and Alison Molnar (14gb, 8ct in 2012). In only her second year at the helm, Head Coach and SUNY Oneonta Alum, Brianne Ruzek will look to take back-to-back State Championship titles; and with players such as Division I Lindenwood commit, Madi Hicks (31g, 6a in 2012) running both ends, we can expect to see another undisputed Championship Season.

*Only loss in 2012 was to Utah powerhouse, Bingham.

Pre-season Rank:  1

Season Opener:  Tuesday, 2/26 vs. Horizon (2012 State Championship Re-match)

 

Xavier College Prep Gators

Last Year:  11-1 (Division II)

Head Coach:  Caitlin Bebout, 4^th year

Key Players:  Areta Buness, M, So.; Carina Arellano, M, Sr.; Mary Petersen, GK, Sr.; Emily Regester, GK, Sr.; Madison Barasha, M, Jr.; Joanna Fennessy, M, Jr.

Outlook:  The 2012 AGLA DII State Champions will look to regain their steam after graduating some impact players such as Sophie Bucknell (29g, 34a in 2012) and Ashley O’Sullivan (40gb, 37ct in 2012). Head Coach Caitlin Bebout will have to look to veterans Areta Buness (47g, 18a in 2012), Carina Arellano (20g, 19a in 2012) and Mary Peterson (38sv, 50ga in 2012) to help guide the way back to another State Championship run. If the Gators keep up the unselfish style of play that they graced us with last season, we definitely will not want to count them out of Championship contention.

Pre-season Rank:  5

Season Opener:  Thursday, 2/27 vs. Corona Del Sol