Girls Lacrosse Seniors Celebrated for Dedication, Sportsmanship

Farmington Girls Lacrosse Seniors were honored last night at one of the last games of a history-making season. At 10-3, this has been the team's best record ever.

Prior to the game, the 12 senior players were announced and came out on the field one at a time with their families for a photograph.

At the start of the game, each player was accompanied to the field by a member of the Farmington Bantams, second and third-grade girls lacrosse players. As they held hands with the young players during the singing of the national anthem, the team’s embrace of the true spirit of sport was evident.

Many of the girls have been playing together since fifth grade, including the three team captains, Brigit Hogan, Abby Sisti and Julie Thiesfeldt.

“We’re all friends and collaborate very well,” said Sisti.

“We’ve played together so long we’re all best friends and it helps us be successful on the field,” Hogan added.

Coach Jeff Manaresi has been proud to coach a team that not only wins, but plays well together.

“I coach other sports, but I have never had a team that pulls so well for each other. They all really celebrate everyone’s accomplishments on the field.”

“Lacrosse is an up and coming sport and this senior group is one of the first for which lacrosse is their major sport. Their commitment is amazing,” Manaresi explained.

The seniors' outstanding teamwork was demonstrated as soon as the game began. In a series of well orchestrated passes, Farmington scored in the first minutes of play… and then again minutes later, and then again. The first half ended 8-1 and the game was won 14-5.

Beyond years of practice and pasta dinners together, this team has been very involved in community activities. Earlier this month, the girls organized a 'Pink Out' game, raising $1,300 for the CT Breast Health Initiative and Susan G. Komen Fund. The day after, the entire team ran in the Race in the Park.

On and off the field, this is a team to admire.