Putting aside last year with no season, the Parkland High School girls lacrosse team was the defending four-time District 11 Class 3A champions entering this year’s postseason. But the Trojans were finally dethroned last Thursday afternoon as fifth seed Parkland fell to fourth seed, Pleasant Valley, 15-11, in the District 11 3A quarterfinal round at Pleasant Valley High School.

The Bears lost to Eastern Pennsylvania Conference champion Easton in the semifinals to set up a matchup between the Red Rovers and the Patriots from Freedom High School in the district final Thursday.

“They possessed the draw and capitalized on our mistakes,” said Parkland head coach Dawn Cipolla on what Pleasant Valley did well. “They made a couple more plays than us and were able to come out on top.”

Parkland finished with an overall record of 7-7 in a year back on the field after a year off. Cipolla was happy with how her team played overall.

“I thought overall we played well but our biggest problem was not playing as a team the entire game,” said Cipolla. “We learned not to take the season for granted and practice like each game was our last. The girls motto this year was ‘don’t take today for granted.’ We learned how to win with pride, lose with dignity, come back from being down, we always fought till the end and never gave up. They handled change and were resilient.”

The Trojans will graduate six seniors from this year’s team.

“This senior class was hardworking, determined, leaders on and off the field,” Cipolla said. “Emily Green and Maeve Leonzi were four-year starters and contributed each year. Maeve scored her 100th goal this year and Emily lead the defense ground balls. Sophie Marcotte saw varsity time in her sophomore year. This year Sophie became a threat in the offensive zone.

“Jess Brey did not see varsity till this year. Jess had to sit out her sophomore year due to an injury. Jess worked hard from her injury and helped lead the attack. Katey Kunz is a first-year starter in goal. She had 85 saves this year and kept us in many games. Maya Sukanick worked hard every day and always gave it her all. I’m looking forward to seeing who steps up and fills each position on the field next year.”