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04/03/2022 12:00 AMThe Guilford girls’ lacrosse team is coming off of its first state championship in program history entering the 2022 season. While Head Coach Wendy Epke knows how difficult it can be to replicate success of that magnitude, she feels confident in her squad as the Grizzlies begin a new campaign.
Guilford posted an overall record of 19-2 on its way to claiming its second-straight SCC title and then winning the Class M State Tournament for the first time last year. The Grizzlies start this season by playing contests against Wilton, Hand, and Fairfield Ludlowe during the opening week of play.
“I think my players have learned so much from last season. The biggest takeaway is not to take the opportunity for granted,” Coach Epke said. “COVID has taught us a lot about being grateful and enjoying the moment. Also, we had some competitive games last year that helped the team mature and make better decisions when the score is close.”
One of Guilford’s most competitive games from last season came when the Grizzlies notched an 11-10 victory against Barlow in the final of the Class M State Tournament. Current junior MJ Santa Barbara scored the winning goal late in the game to lift Guilford to the one-goal win. Coach Epke believes that playing in close contests like that one will benefit her club as it strives for more success this spring.
“The Barlow game was a back-and-forth, exciting game. Our younger players stepped up, and we kept our composure, even in the stressful situation,” said Epke. “I think we learned a lot about situational lacrosse, and it greatly improved the girls’ lacrosse IQ going into this season.”
Guilford returns several key players in 2022, including senior captains Maddie Epke, Taylor Farace, Lorelei King, Olivia McDonald, and Sydney Widlitz. Epke was named to the All-SCC First Team, the All-State First Team, and the USA Lacrosse All-American Team, in addition to being selected as the SCC Player of the Year last season.
Farace was also an All-SCC First Team and All-State First Team honoree for the Grizzlies. Epke is going to play lacrosse at James Madison University after she graduates, while Farace will continue her career at Sacred Heart University.
Widlitz, who is Guilford’s goalkeeper, garnered All-SCC First Team accolades and was also named the Most Outstanding Player of the SCC Tournament in 2021. King made the All-SCC Second Team on behalf of Coach Epke’s squad.
“We have five captains this season. It’s a wonderful, smart, athletic, and dedicated group,” Coach Epke said. “My goal for them is to help lead this program for this season, but also set the foundation for the future teams to continue the success they have had. We have a great team culture of working hard, while having fun. It’s a supportive group and a great program to be a part of.”
Along with the senior captains, Guilford also returns junior Kat Baseggio, who was an All-SCC First Team and All-State First Team selection last season. Also coming back for the Grizzlies is sophomore Payton Root, who made the All-SCC First Team and the All-State First Team as a freshman.
In addition to putting more victories in the win column, one of Coach Epke’s biggest goals for this year is to help Guilford’s youth program grow, while continuing to develop the connection between those players and the athletes on the high school team.
“The high schoolers spent the fall season running clinics for the youth, and I know we love their support at the games throughout the season,” said Epke. “As a coach, I strive to help all the players in the program develop. We have a wide range of abilities from Division I commits to girls that are picking up the stick for the first time this season. I hope to help all these players improve their individual game, along with helping the team as a unit get better.”
Other players who are slated to take the field for the Grizzlies this spring include seniors Paige Crowley and Caroline Kane; juniors Ella Clarke and Scout Climie; and sophomore Maya Stoddard.
Guilford played a road game versus Wilton on April 5 (after press time) for its season opener. The Grizzlies are hosting Hand for their first home game on Thursday, April 7 at 6 p.m., after which they will face Fairfield Ludlowe at home at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 9.
On the heels of a historic season, Coach Epke has big expectations for Guilford in 2022. More than anything, Epke wants to see her players work their hardest as the Grizzlies try to defend their two titles.
“My expectations are to be a competitive team in the SCC and the State tournaments,” Epke said. “I’d love to repeat both, but to win a championship, it’s never easy to repeat. But I expect the girls to work hard with the goal in mind.”