Coach of the Year

Chris Robinson,

Mount Hebron

No one could match the No. 1 Vikings as they posted a perfect 20-0 season and won the state Class 1A-2A championship.

"This was the best team I've had in four years," said Robinson, who is 70-7 overall and 34-0 in Howard County during that span. Robinson was a JV coach and assistant head coach at Mount Hebron before talking over the successful program started by P.J. Kesmodel.

To Robinson's credit, the Vikings have not missed a beat. The Mount Hebron girls have won seven state titles in the 1990s, and Robinson's teams have earned three in a row.

"It was just a great season," he said. "One that I'll never forget."

Player of the Year

Lauren Aumiller, Notre Dame Prep

The Baltimore City/County Player of the Year simply dominated the midfield, especially in the big games.

In leading the No. 2 Pirates (14-1-1) to a 12-11 overtime victory over No. 4 Bryn Mawr for the Association of Independent Schools A Division championship, Aumiller had a goal, four assists and three take-aways and won the majority of NDP's 14 draws. The Pirates reached the AIS title game each of Aumiller's four years, also winning in her freshman year.

Known for her ability on the draw, often sending the ball up and snatching it with her stick extended above her long arms, Aumiller consistently sparked the Pirates' transition game. The center could finish too, contributing 47 goals and 40 assists. With her quickness, speed and athleticism, Aumiller also proved proficient on defense, forcing turnovers and denying her mark the ball.

"She has as much ability to keep body position and check as she does to make an assist and score a goal," said NDP coach Mary Bartel, "and she can do it at a speed few other people can match."

A repeat All-Metro first-team pick, Aumiller won the Heather Leigh Albert Award as the outstanding schoolgirl player at the U.S. Women's Lacrosse Association national tournament Memorial Day weekend.

She was selected as the captain of the U.S. team that will compete for the Under-19 World Cup in Australia in September, and she was named a South regional All-American by the USWLA. This fall, Aumiller will join her sister Lacey at Virginia.

Rebecca Ferrell, Mount Hebron

Ferrell was the heart of a Vikings defense that allowed just 3.2 goals per game and gave up more than five goals only twice.

In the state tournament, the senior's unit always started out strong. The Vikings shut out No. 9 South River for the first 12:54 en route to a 9-6 semifinal victory. Then they shut down No. 11 Towson for the first 20:54 on their way to a 16-4 victory and their third straight state Class 1A-2A title.

The Vanderbilt-bound Ferrell always seemed to anticipate where the ball and the opposition were going to be. She also displayed quickness, agility and footwork, and she proved equally valuable to the team as an emotional and vocal leader.

Lindsay Buchanan, Towson

A repeat All-Metro first-team selection, Buchanan led the No. 11 Generals (14-5) in points despite missing the last three games after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee during the regional semifinal.

A determined attacker and versatile transition player, the senior scored 61 goals and 36 assists from her attack wing position.

Among her clutch performances, Buchanan scored four goals in a 12-10 come-from-behind victory over No. 13 Loch Raven that clinched the Generals' third straight Baltimore County title.

She led the Generals to the state final all four years and to the title in 1997. Named a South regional All-American, Buchanan will play next year at Virginia.

Bridget Frande, Mount Hebron

Frande emerged as one of the Vikings' top shooters and their most consistent player this season.

With excellent placement and probably the hardest shot on the Class 1A-2A championship team, the senior finished second among the Vikings in goals with 49. She also contributed six assists. Frande could score in almost any situation and proved adept at slipping the ball through tight spots with a lot of defenders around her.

She scored three goals in the 9-6 state semifinal win over No. 9 South River, including the ninth goal, which all but sealed the victory.

The oldest of three Frande sisters on the team, she will head to Maryland next fall as a recruited walk-on.

Kristy Dirks, Annapolis

Despite playing a line attack position, Dirks proved to be a dominating presence all over the field for the repeat Class 3A-4A state champion and No. 3 Panthers (19-1).

The third home could take over games with her relentless work off the ball, fine stick skills and knack for finishing. The sophomore totaled 50 goals and 32 assists.

In one of her best performances, Dirks scored four straight goals to break a 2-2 tie and spark a 9-3 win over No. 8 Broadneck in the regional final. In a couple of state tournament romps, she had five goals and two assists. She had two goals while excelling as transition catalyst in the 13-4 title victory over No. 10 Liberty.

Dirks was named a Chesapeake regional All-American.

Betsy Gaines, Roland Park

A repeat first-team All-Metro pick, Gaines emerged as the go-to player for the No. 5 Reds (14-2-2).

The senior led the AIS A Division semifinalists in goals with 49 while also contributing 20 assists. She also led the Reds with 76 ground balls.

Her versatility and consistency made her a key to transition, a force on the draw, a solid defender and a top-notch finisher. Gaines scored clutch goals, including one with 47 seconds left to tie No. 2 Notre Dame Prep, 11-11.

Gaines was selected for the U.S. Under-19 team and was named a South regional All-American. Also an All-Metro first-team pick in field hockey and basketball, Gaines will play lacrosse next year at North Carolina.

Katie Dolan, Towson

At attack wing, Dolan emerged as a scoring force for the state Class 1A-2A runners-up.

Versatile with speed, quickness and excellent stick skills, the senior excelled on transition or in the settled attack. Despite drawing double teams, she led Towson in goals with 70 and added 17 assists.

A money player, Dolan scored three critical goals, including the game-winner to lead a comeback 12-10 victory over No. 13 Loch Raven for the Baltimore County title. She then scored four times in the 13-4 regional semifinal win over the Raiders. In a 19-4 rout of Edgewood in the state semifinal, she had six goals and an assist.

Named a South regional All-American, Dolan will play next year at Richmond.

Meghan Kelly, Roland Park

A determined, aggressive defender, Kelly always drew the assignment of marking the opposition's best attack player.

Good timing and body-positioning helped the senior excel as a stingy third man for the No. 5 Reds, who have lost just two games in the past two years. She had 32 ground balls and eight interceptions while playing standout denial defense.

Versatile and quick, Kelly also proved critical to transition, often handling the goalie clears. She could also score when given the chance, adding four goals and five assists.

A South regional All-American, Kelly was selected as an alternate to the U.S. Under-19 team. She will join Reds teammate Gaines at North Carolina this fall.

Meg Miller, Severna Park

It takes a lot for a defender to outshine some of the area's most dazzling attack players, but Miller did just that with her all-around game, earning Anne Arundel County Player of the Year honors as a junior.

Whether anticipating an opposing team's pass, marking out an attacker or finding the smallest of openings to jump into the offense, Miller always found a way to make an impact for the No. 6 Falcons (15-2).

Miller could contribute anywhere on the field. She scored 17 goals and added four assists. She also had 18 interceptions, 36 ground balls and 24 draw controls.

An All-Metro first team pick last season, she was named a Chesapeake regional All-American.

Lauren Peck, Broadneck

Peck emerged as the most prolific scorer in Broadneck history after leading the No. 9 Bruins (14-4) to the regional finals.

With 172 goals and 71 assists in her four years, Peck set a Bruins record for most points in a career with 242. In addition, she set a new single-season record for goals with 64 this year. Add her 39 assists, and she is the only All-Metro player to score more than 100 points this season.

While her statistics speak for her exceptional attack skills, Peck also proved to be a solid defender and a midfield leader.

Peck was named a Chesapeake regional All-American. She also was selected to the U.S. Under-19 team. Next year, she will play at Loyola.

Amy Price, Bryn Mawr

No one ever doubted who controlled the defense for the No. 4 and AIS finalist Mawrtians (15-2-1). A great communicator, the junior kept her defense in sync by always remaining a positive force in the cage.

Facing a tough schedule that included many of the area's top shooters, Price posted a 57 percent save rate. She faced 229 shots on goal and made 131 saves. The 99 goals she allowed averaged out to just 5.5 goals per game.

In addition to her excellence in the cage, Price played an aggressive game, often coming out to upset the attack's plans. She snatched 33 ground balls and made 13 interceptions.

Price was one of two goalies selected for the U.S. Under-19 team.

Polly Purcell, Mount Hebron

Purcell was the top line attacker on a balanced No. 1 team that rolled up 387 goals and won its games by an average of 16.2 goals.

Known for her flashy style, the junior never feared taking risks to get a goal or an assist. More often than not, Purcell's creativity paid off. She scored on a behind-the-back shot in the state final victory and seemed able to score or assist from any angle.

She had 39 goals and a team-high 40 assists, finishing second among the Vikings with 79 points.

Purcell also expanded her game to become a more well-rounded player and a team leader this year. She was named an honorable mention Chesapeake regional All-American.

Julie Shank, Severna Park

The only four-time All-Metro pick on this year's team, Shank has been a first-team selection for three straight years.

Shank continued to rate as one of the area's premier line defenders with her ability to control the crease or mark an opponent in the open field. She combined speed and athleticism with excellent stick skills, footwork, body positioning and a hate-to-lose attitude. Her aggressive marking style helped her hold the opposition's top attacker in check.

Shank's versatility showed in her contribution of 17 goals and nine assists.

She was named an honorable mention Chesapeake regional All-American. This fall, she will join her sister Becky at Maryland.

Theresa Sherry, Bryn Mawr

Sherry had been known primarily as a soccer player until she asserted herself this season as a top defender in the AIS A Division.

At defense wing, the junior showed a complete repertoire of defensive skills, both on the crease and in the open field.

She played terrific denial defense, forcing many turnovers to spark the Mawrtians' transition. She led the team in ground balls with 77 and also had four interceptions, nine take-aways and eight blocks.

Versatile, athletic and speedy, Sherry also could score, contributing 14 goals and four assists for the A Division runners-up.

Named a South regional All-American, Sherry was selected for the U.S. Under-19 team.

Wick Stanwick,Notre Dame Prep

An exceptional finisher, Stanwick moved to the first team after earning second-team All-Metro status last year.

The veteran on NDP's line attack, the senior's leadership proved essential as the Pirates worked more from their set offense than ever before.

Proficient with both hands and displaying excellent stick skills and quick wrists, Stanwick led the Pirates with 58 goals and added 36 assists. She scored three goals each in the come-from-behind AIS A Division semifinal victory over No. 5 Roland Park and in the overtime title game win over No. 4 Bryn Mawr.

Named a South regional All-American, Stanwick is headed for Georgetown this fall, where she will join her sister Sheehan.

Acacia Walker, Annapolis

Much of the Panthers' attack spun on Walker's workaholic performance in the midfield.

Although she scored 27 goals and added 24 assists for the No. 3 and state Class 3A-4A champion Panthers, Walker proved even more valuable for her ability to control the ball in the midfield.

With her speed, she caused turnovers, and with her ability to come up with possession, Walker sparked the Panthers' transition game. Her aggressive, never-give-up attitude made her a threat to come up with any loose ball.

One of only two sophomores on this team, Walker was named an honorable mention Chesapeake regional All-American and was selected to the U.S. Under-19 team.

Lauren Kickham, Mount Hebron

The Howard County Player of the Year was a key reason why the No. 1 Vikings went unbeaten this season and earned their third straight state title.

Kickham, a repeat All-Metro first-team pick, led the Vikings in goals with 55 and points with 86. In the 16-4 state title victory over No. 11 Liberty, the junior scored four goals and added an assist.

At center, Kickham initiated much of the Vikings' offense with her ability to control draws and win ground balls. She broke her own single-season school record (131) for ground balls with 141. Her versatility and skill also showed in the strength of her defensive game.

Kickham was named a Chesapeake regional All-American.

The All-Metro girls lacrosse teams

First team

Name -------------------- School ---------- Class ---------- Position

Kristy Dirks ------------ Annapolis ------- Soph. --------- Attack

Polly Purcell ---------- Mt. Hebron ------ Junior --------- Attack

Wick Stanwick ------- N. Dame Prep -- Senior ------- Attack

Lauren Aumiller ------ N. Dame Prep -- Senior ------- Midfield

Lindsay Buchanan -- Towson ----------- Senior ------- Midfield

Katie Dolan ------------- Towson ---------- Senior ------- Midfield

Bridget Frande -------- Mt. Hebron ------ Senior ------- Midfield

Betsy Gaines ---------- Roland Park ---- Senior ------- Midfield

Lauren Kickham ------- Mt. Hebron ------ Junior -------- Midfield

Lauren Peck ------------ Broadneck ------ Senior ------- Midfield

Acacia Walker -------- Annapolis -------- Soph. -------- Midfield

Rebecca Ferrell ------ Mt. Hebron ------- Senior ------ Defense

Meghan Kelly ---------- Roland Park ----- Senior ------ Defense

Meg Miller --------------- Severna Park --- Junior ------- Defense

Julie Shank ------------- Severna Park ---- Senior ------ Defense

Theresa Sherry ------- Bryn Mawr --------- Junior ------- Defense

Amy Price --------------- Bryn Mawr --------- Junior -------- Goalie

Second team

Name --------------------- School -------------- Class ---------- Position

Tara Hardiman ------- Bryn Mawr --------- Junior ---------- Attack

Shannon Kron --------- Maryvale ----------- Junior --------- Attack

Christy McNew -------- Annapolis ---------- Senior --------- Attack

Sarah Oliphant -------- Annapolis ---------- Soph. ----------- Attack

Elizabeth Ryan -------- Roland Park ------ Senior ---------- Attack

Alyssa Trocher ------- Mt. Hebron --------- Senior ---------- Attack

Michelle Allen --------- Liberty --------------- Junior ----------- Midfield

Carolyn Colaccico -- South River -------- Senior ----------- Midfield

Annie Collins ---------- Mt. Hebron --------- Junior ------------ Midfield

Kelly Coppedge ----- St. Mary's ----------- Junior ------------ Midfield

Kristyn Krastel --------- North Harford ----- Senior ------------ Midfield

Miles Whitman -------- Bryn Mawr ---------- Junior ------------ Midfield

Kate Hardesty -------- St. Mary's ----------- Senior ----------- Defense

Meghan Murphy ----- South River --------- Senior ----------- Defense

Jazmine Norton ------ McDonogh ---------- Senior ----------- Defense

Jen Berarducci ------- Liberty ----------------- Senior ----------- Defense

Katelyn Hoffman ------ Mt. Hebron ---------- Junior ------------Goalie

Note: The All-Metro girls lacrosse teams were selected by Katherine Dunn after consultation with The Sun staff and area coaches.

Pub Date: 06/07/99