Chieftains now a varsity team.

Byline: Craig Holt 

BOLTON - Over the last few years, boys and girls lacrosse has become increasingly popular at many high schools throughout Central Mass.

Nashoba Regional has proven to be no exception.

Nashoba is fielding a girls varsity lacrosse team for the first time this spring after two solid seasons competing at the junior varsity level. The upbeat Chieftains have started strong, compiling a 1-1-1 record in the early going with a win over Worcester and a tie against St. Peter-Marian.

Nashoba suffered its first setback last Thursday afternoon when an experienced and talented Shrewsbury contingent posted a 12-3 victory at the Chieftains' field.

The slick-passing Colonials, the defending Central Mass. champions, started fast and finished strong.

However, the Chieftains hung tough throughout, and got an impressive effort from senior captain Cat Philbin, who dropped in all three Nashoba goals. Fellow senior captain Megan Powell led a balanced effort at both ends of the field, and junior Megan Ryan made several tough stops in net.

Shrewsbury was led by the trio of Michaela Tinsley, Alisha Tinsley, and Jenna Tinolli, each of whom netted three goals. Meg Roy scored two goals and Jenn McBride one.

The Chieftains' solid two-way effort made a positive impression on first-year Nashoba coach Laurie Griffin.

"The girls are learning, and they're working very hard," Griffin said. "They have definitely improved since day one.

"We have a lot of very athletic girls, and that has helped - girls who have played other sports, like field hockey and soccer," she said. "It's also been a learning experience. Many of the girls are still learning the particulars of lacrosse."

Griffin has an extensive lacrosse resume, beginning as a player many years ago and continuing to her role as girls lacrosse coach at Algonquin Regional starting in the late 1990s. Griffin had a fun run at Algonquin and she's happy to be back on the sidelines working with the enthusiastic Chieftains.

"I'm thrilled to be here," Griffin said. "The girls are eager to play. They're really enjoying it."

Nashoba has been boosted by its athleticism and a desire to learn. Griffin noted the sport of lacrosse is a combination of a lot of things, including running and being able to pass, while, at the same time, emphasizing finesse.

Lacrosse is also a game of rules and regulations. For example, there is a strict check rule and no pads, hard-core realities that essentially eliminate physical contact. This makes the game more safe and ensures that the defense is driven by discipline.

Griffin added that girls' lacrosse has enjoyed a tremendous popularity boom. At one point, several years back, there were fewer than 50 girls high school lacrosse teams in Massachusetts, most beyond the confines of Worcester County. That number is well over 100 now, according to Griffin.

Nashoba's program, which retains a junior varsity squad, is coming along at a good clip, Griffin said. Some of the Chieftains' players have youth league experience, where they learned the basics of the sport and developed skills.

Others have no real experience, but are eager and willing to learn. Thus, much of Griffin's job is old-fashioned teaching.

Nashoba tied St. Peter-Marian 8-8 at the Guardians' field in the program's first varsity game. That was followed by an 18-11 road win over Worcester.

Griffin said the first three games were fast-paced and high-scoring, typical for lacrosse. Philbin netted 14 goals in the first three games.

The Chieftains play in the Midland-Wachusett League C Division. Teams in the league include Bromfield, Worcester, and Marlboro. St. Peter-Marian is a B Division team, while Shrewsbury is an A Division squad.

Other players on the Nashoba roster include: junior Trisha Starkey, senior Megan Goodnow, senior Sarah Cozzens, sophomore Nicole Juul Hindsgaul, junior Erin Sadler, sophomore Shelby Sirois, senior Lauren McMullen, junior Bri Kuzmitch, sophomore Taylor Paglia, junior Meghan Stafford, junior Kayleigh Hoffman, senior Jaz Funkhouser, senior Carly Robinson, freshman Alicyn Reverdy, senior Holly Smith, senior Monet Eliastam, and junior Jaclyn Bucciero.

Griffin is assisted by Charlie Tinschert, while the team managers are freshman Nicole Reeves, freshman Marissa Generoso, freshman Kayla Perkins, and junior Hope Fiori.