In just its second season as a Tigers high school sport, the Northwestern Lehigh girls lacrosse team is looking to continue to build the program and find success. The Tigers, like every other high school in District 11, did not play last season due to the pandemic. They were winless in their first season in 2019, so are looking for the program’s first ever victory.

Head coach Lissa Opolsky, who is in her third year at the helm starting the program from the ground up, is chomping at the bit to get going. Not only missing out on a full season last year, but after going winless in the opening season, the excitement around the program is there.

“This will technically be our second season for the Tiger lacrosse team so we are looking forward to seeing some of the young talent mix with the experienced leadership to build a program,” said Opolsky. “Obviously, we’ll look to win a game. From there, we’ll just have to see how far we can go.”

Opolsky will have a strong upperclassmen group to show leadership and are also talented enough to bring wins to campus.

Seniors Alexa Bleam, Ali Lister, Tess Ledeboer, Reagan Hernandez, Bailey Scheffler and Charlotte Horn, along with juniors Emilee and Sarah Schultz are the top returning group for Northwestern. Some of the key newcomers for Opolsky and her staff include sophomores Ava Collins, Claire Costa, Lexy Vennera, Sydney Nyce and Gabby Gober.

This group is versatile and most can play different positions if needed. Just like with any sport, playing the game, as it is somewhat new to a majority of the team, is important to getting better.

“Some of the girls have been playing a lot in the offseason and taking in as much information as they can,” said Opolsky. “We are generally an athletic group of athletes who play multiple sports, which will hopefully help as the season begins. We are a newer program without much experience on the field. We are looking to continually build on some fundamental and tactical skills from day to day.”

Opolsky knows it is still early in the process. And after having a year taken away from her and her team last season, it will still take a little time to get the process going in full swing.

“We are looking forward to being competitive day in and day out,” Opolsky said. “Although we are young, we are looking forward to being a cohesive unit.”

The 2021 campaign kicks off for the Tigers next Friday, March 26, at Bethlehem Catholic High School.