Thankful – 2022 Fall Ball Recap
Thankful for our Auburn Lax Community – Fall Ball Recap
Fall 2022 has been a thrilling season for AYLC. Fall lacrosse is a time for learning, to meet new teammates, and to grow your skills for a sport we all love. Accomplishments for this fall season include fielding separate teams for U8 and U10 boys, adding a new U10 team for our girls, record participation numbers, and navigating new and growing coaching staff.
GIRLS
Our entire girls program attended the 2022 Witches Brew Tournament by Southern Edge Lacrosse in Emerson, GA. This was a fast-paced 7v7 tournament. These girls participated in fast and furious competition with games only lasting 22 minutes while also dressing for the season. For many, this was their very first experience playing lacrosse. These girls have grit, many were asked to play a new position or step up and fill a need. Congratulations to our U14 White won the Middle School 7/8 division Championship and to Aubrey Haney for winning MVP of the championship game.
Anasofia, AKA “Mini,” from our U12 girls says “I love lacrosse because it is played as a team. The excitement of the game is the best part. Our team is a family and that’s what makes us special. My favorite moment of fall is seeing my teammates and myself succeed at trying new things like bounce shots or roll dodges.”
Our U12 and U14 girls wrapped up their fall season at the Surf-N-Turf Tournament in Ft. Walton Beach, FL. U12 girls divided into Blue and White and played a wonderful weekend of lacrosse. They had to battle against each other in the U12 Division Championship, with U12 White coming away with the win. This is the second consecutive year for U12 white to win their division! U14 girls faced stiff competition, including each other. On day one during pool play, U14 White was victorious. Seeded against each other in bracket play, U14 Blue fought hard for the win and found success. U14 Blue moved on to the championship game. They battled a tough team out of Atlanta. They rose to come from behind and ended regulation play with a tie at 12. Unfortunately, U14 Blue fell in sudden death. We are so incredibly proud of these girls for their resilience and fortitude. AYLC Girls has a bright future ahead.
BOYS
This fall the boys had four separate teams from U8-U14. Many new and returning faces to the field. Colin B. from our U8 team says “I love Auburn Lacrosse because I like my team and it’s really fun.” After spending weeks to prepare, our boys program brought teams down to Ft. Walton Beach for the second year to compete in the Surf-N-Turf. Our U12 boys got the weekend started with early games against tough and competitive Florida teams. This very young U12 team was forged in battle playing some extremely physical games. Coach Scott says “They fought through adversity, injuries, and emotions to become brothers-in-arms as 16 young men arrived in Florida but came home to Auburn as a team.” Congratulations to U12 boys on a 2nd place finish.
Our U8 and U10 boys combined to create two U10 teams and play in a round-robin style single day of competition. U10 White came away with the win on their first game together. They battled a very aggressive team in their next two matches. New and returning kids contributed on the field in scoring goals and causing turnovers. They learned how to work together. U10 Blue had a rough start to the day falling in their first game. But they battled back to make it to the semi-finals. Coach Sarah says “Only six boys who came to Florida had previous lacrosse experience, a lot of these kids were playing against those twice their size. They fought hard and showed grit. I’m super proud of my boys and pumped for spring.” U10 Blue lost their semi-final game by only one point.
U14 Boys had bumpy start at the Surf-N-Turf 7v7 tournament, but they rallied back on day two. Many of these boys are new to the U14 level and some are new to lacrosse. Andy S. from U14 says “I’ve made most of my friends through lacrosse. Many of us met when we were little and the team is like family.” The team had back-to-back wins in bracket play to secure their Silver Championship. Congratulations!
None of this would be possible without the time, talents, and effort of our wonderful coaching staff. We are grateful for our dedicated parents who help fill needs on a weekly basis so that we can focus on our athletes and on the game of lacrosse. We are also thankful for the support of the AYLC Board and long-time members who seek to help us grow the game and our Auburn Lax Community. Tallie B. from U12 Girls says it best, “When you play lacrosse you feel unstoppable. One of my favorite things about Auburn Lacrosse is friendship. You have these amazing people on your team who turn into amazing family. All the girls I play with are now my sisters and my best friends.”
Happy Thanksgiving Lax Fam!
SPRING REGISTRATION IS OPEN.
Don’t forget, we are in the final days of registering for our Officials Training next month. We still need one adult to register for the girls training, and two adults to register for the boys training. Please talk to your friends, co-workers, or college network to help us fill this need. Our program cannot function without lacrosse officials joining us on the field. Register for the free training at AuburnYouthLax.com.
