With five league wins under their belt, the varsity girls lacrosse team is on its way to the CCS playoffs, currently sitting in third place in both the WBAL and CCS. With a new coach and strong returning core players, the Knights have pulled off a record of 9-4.
At the front of the team’s offense, sophomore Elia Choe has 53 goals out of 166 for the team this year along with 10 assists. Choe made first team all league last year and surpassed the 100-goal mark in the Knights’ game against Sequoia on April 5. Another sophomore has made strides in the team this year: Hannah Bernthal has controlled 36 draws so far this season.
On the defensive side, senior captain Kylie Jones leads the team in caused turnovers and ground balls. With 11 caused turnovers, 24 ground balls and 27 draw controls, Jones proves to be a pivotal player for the Knights’ defense.
Another captain of the team, junior Ellie Knoll, who has secured 34 draws, nine goals and four assists this year, said she values her team’s bond. “We have really grown closer as a team,” Knoll said. “Our roster hasn’t changed much since last year.”
Though she believes it was a challenge starting the season with a new coach, she believes the team has now adjusted to the change.
Head coach Parnika Patel came to Menlo after the departure of the former head coach Ryan Sage. Although this is her first season with Menlo, she is not new to coaching or playing lacrosse. Patel coached at Castilleja School for one season before getting her master’s degree at UCLA and played club lacrosse at California State University, Northridge.
When Patel first was offered the job, she was eager to join the school’s community. “I was familiar with Menlo and a lot of the student athletes from Menlo,” Patel said. “I was really excited for the opportunity.”
After sitting down with the players, she decided on the main goals for the season including defense. Along with trying to improve practices with feedback from the athletes, she reviews film to prepare for games. “I really study [teams’] plays and the way their defense works,” Patel said.
According to Patel, her preparation manifests into results due to the dedication and hard work of the players. “I think they are pushing themselves and are testing the limits of what is possible for Menlo lacrosse,” she said. Patel attests the growth stems from a strong bond between the players. “They have truly proven what they are capable of when they trust one another and themselves,” she said.
Knoll also celebrates her team’s progress and feels excited about the season so far. “Now that we are third [place], I am so proud of us and how far we have come,” Knoll said.
