Coaching for the first time is never easy but starting to coach a sport with virtually an entirely new team and a shortened season was a true challenge for Mount Mercy’s husband and wife lacrosse coaches Tyler and Haley Gaulton.  With many returning players as well as a year of experience and more practice time, the pair have higher aspirations for this season.

“We worked out some kinks after last season,” Haley Gaulton remarked.  “We are building a strong culture amongst our team and we are looking not only for wins on the field but we are also looking for other wins as well, such as improving our stick skills, working together as a team, having everyone score, having our goalie make many saves and most importantly keep our love for the game.”

The team returns Second Team All-Catholic selection junior Abby Mailloux (Buffalo) who along with last season’s MVP Jenna Brown (Buffalo) was named a team captain.  Mailloux was the team’s leading scorer last year with 15 goals and Brown was the team’s goalie.  Both players have improved their games while playing travel lacrosse. Gaulton also said they are excited to see sophomore Quinn D’Anthony, a player they feel has potential talent.  Other players expected to make key contributions are junior defenders Olivia Fuller (West Seneca) and Isabella Fedele (Buffalo).  They are expected to be the backbone of the team’s defense, which Gaulton feels is a strength of the team.  Although the team’s freshmen have all improved, Gaulton singled out Payton Keane (Buffalo).  “Keane has great stick skills and is going to be a great addition to our midfield.

The team has set its goals for the season in order to win games and improve its overall play.  The team is going to work hard to stick together when the going gets tough and to encourage each other on and off the field, as well as applying the tactics and skills taught during practice in the games.

Gaulton said that the team relishes the opportunity to play the stronger teams such as Mount Saint Mary and Sacred Heart since it helps them to develop their game.  The coaches are expecting some victories this season.  “Last year we had a young, inexperienced team but also time was against us. We had a condensed season so trying to teach fundamentals and the game was rushed. This year we had more time to prepare so we are hungry for some wins,” Haley Gaulton stated.

The team opened its 12 game season on April 4th against Mount Saint Mary. “Although we are still a younger team, we have strengths that will help carry us through the season. Their drive and willingness to be better and hone in on their skills is our biggest strength. The heart they have for the game and the determination to learn all aspects of the sport has allowed us to grow both fundamentally and as a team,” Gaulton commented. “If we keep our heart, love for the game, and our drive to want to learn it will be a successful season.”