We were able to complete all of our Individual Meetings this week, and were very happy with the way they went. It really helps to see how everyone is doing in school, lacrosse and life, in general. It is also a good opportunity for us to let the players know where we think they are, and what they can do to improve. We also had another good week of practice, leading up to the Alumni Game, last night – or what we thought would be an Alumni Game.

We had hoped there would be enough Alumni, for them to field a full team and play against this year’s squad. But just in case, we divided our team equally and were prepared to play an Intra Squad Game. Only three Alums showed up, so they were added to the black team (so they could play together), and with a good crowd on hand, the Lady Lions really got after each other.

Despite the drizzling rain and the confusion of playing with some experimental new rules, the Lions (past and present) really got after it! The intensity and competitiveness were impressive. Our new players were eager to impress and our returners were determined not to be outdone by the youngsters or there classmates on the other team.

Being our first competition of this new season, the execution was predictably sloppy at times. But the play, overall was very fast paced and there flashes of crispness and creativity throughout the night. All in all the game was a lot of fun and was a good exercise for our team – a good chance to see our players compete in a game (albeit against themselves and a few Alumni). I lost track of the score, but I know the White Team was victorious (congratulations to them and Coach JoJo, who definitely outcoached the Coach of the Black Team) by more than a couple of goals.

This was the first Alumni Game in a number of years and it is something that we would like to continue, and build it into a larger event. A time and place for the Lady Lions Community to gather, reminisce and support the program.

As the team moves forward, we will be back at Practice, tomorrow morning and sometime during the week, will watch film of last night’s contest. Film should be beneficial to everyone, and hopefully, will facilitate improvements for individuals and the team. This will be an important “building” week for us, as next Sunday we will be at the University of New Haven for several games. I saw a great deal of potential for our team last night, and look forward to realizing that potential.

Go Lions!