The Palo Alto High School girls’ lacrosse team ended its season (16-8, 11-2) with a loss to St. Francis, 13-8. 

Although the Vikings finished with a good record, they fell short of their goal of defending their league championship title. Many expressed their disappointment but still remained optimistic for next season.

“This seasons goals were left incomplete because we didn’t win the SCVAL Championship,” junior Emy Kelty said. “The loss will give us motivation for next season.”

Sophomore Emma Beckstrom agreed.

“It [the loss] was definitely disappointing, especially for the seniors,” Beckstrom said. “But for the the other players that will hopefully be returning next year, it gives us something to work towards next season.”

With the help of head coach Jamie Nesbitt, the team has improved considerably over the course of the season.

“The team improved on a lot of levels,” junior Meghan Byrd said. “First off, about half the team was new to varsity this year, so we really had to rebuild our team and team dynamic. Individually, all the players improved in their own way. As a team, we finally were able to connect on the field, and show our opponents what Palo Alto lacrosse is all about.”

Next year’s team will have to face the loss of several key seniors, including goalies Lara Cutkosky and Gayle Schumacher, as well as Gracie Cain, Rachel Shaffer, Leigh Dairaghi, Vivienne La, Emily Benatar, Kristina Guzman and Manuela Richter.  However, the team will retain top scorer Charlotte Biffar, a sophomore, and offensive powerhouses Kimmie Flather and Emy Kelty, both juniors.

Although the team was let down in the end by losing the league championship, the loss will fuel them for next year’s season, according to numerous players.

“It was a really devastating loss for me and I think the whole team,” Kelty said. “We really wanted that game, but it just gives us more drive for next season.”