For the first time, Hoosick Falls High School fielded a club-level girls lacrosse team in 2010.

The team could not play any members of Section II in games, but the Panthers played a 10-game schedule against teams from Vermont, Massachusetts and New York teams not recognized by Section II. All funds were raised by the players and their parents.

Starting from scratch, baby steps were needed. The players began to learn the game in the winter in the gym, using tennis balls to master the art of throwing and catching. When the weather warmed up, the players ventured into the parking lot...but they were still using tennis balls as they slowly began to learn the sport.

Remarkably, the team finished with a 6-4 record. "Opposing players, coaches and officials marveled when told this was the first time these players had a stick in their hands," wrote head coach Lisa Ferrannini.

Click the image for a full-size picture.
STANDING: Ashley Granger - third man, Lauren Conte - goalkeeper, Demitri Tracy - attack, Senior co-Captain Sarah Gleason - first home, Senior Julie Luciano - any position, Senior Co-Captain Amanda Sargood - third home, Haley Votra - defense, Bailey Michaels - left attack wing, Keri Wilkins - right attack wing, Catherine Charbonneau - attack or defense wing, Senior Alyssa Luke - center. KNEELING: Maritza Gonzales - defense wing, Amanda Lewsey - defense, Jordyn Gates - center, Alexis Hagadorn - coverpoint, Senior Emily Wilwol - point/center, Hillary Burdick - defense/center, Senior Megan McEachron - second home, Madision Guglielmoni - attack. ABSENT: Emily Everard, Molly Frazier and team manager Garrett Foster. (Photo provided by Lisa Ferrannini).

The team is currently running a pair of fundraising efforts.

The first is "Getting Pinned." For a $20 donation (with checks payable to the "HFCS Student Council") you can "pin" the victim of your choice. The victim will find two dozen pinwheels blowing in their yard. Simply email hfladypantherlax@yahoo.com to "pin" your victim... and the team does the rest!

The other event is Canines & Cars, a dog expo and classic car show to be held (rain or shine)
Sunday, June 6 from Noon to 5 p.m. at Hoosick Falls Central School on Route 22 in Hoosick Falls.
Bring your dog and for $10, enter into a costume contest, best of show, fastest dog and most obedient and much more. Or, come without a dog and admission is $3 adults or $2 for students. No family pays more than $10.

Enjoy dog demonstrations (Police K-9 unit and dog trainer demos), K-9 kissing booth, Doggie Spa - free baths, Vendor booths and a concession stand all day.

Or enter your classic car in the car show and vote for your favorite! Call (518) 857-7115 for more details.

In addition to the sponsors, the team would like to thank Angela Husser from Bennington Sports & Graphics, John Nealon and his crew, especially Mike Tiftt for his perfection at lining the field, Charlie Weeden for ordering the buses, the student council for managing the teams funds and Mike Shea for cutting our checks. Special thanks to Ken Facin and the HFCS board of education for making our team possible.

The team will celebrate its accomplishments at a banquet on Wednesday, June 9 at The Olde Firehouse Restaurant at 6 p.m.

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