Long Beach is preparing for girls’ lacrosse season, and we checked in with local teams as they prepare for Moore League action.
At Wilson, the Bruins are looking to build on their success last season after being Co-Champs with Downey. Those two schools have been the only Moore League champs in the first three years of the sport, each winning once before their co-championship in 2024.
While the Bruins don’t have a lot of senior depth they will lean on their juniors for leadership. Emerson May, Laila Rodriquez and Lucy Smith will anchor Wilson’s defense and provide leadership for the team.
Coach Vic Escoto is looking for the team to defend their title and win their first undisputed title since 2022. Escoto expects the midfield to be a strength for the team with Megan Ligenza and Hazel Zernich. On the offensive side, the Bruins expect Amelia Nulty and Mia Romero to contribute.
Millikan is back in action looking to improve on their third-place finish from a season ago.
“I look forward to the start of the season each year, but the way we ended last season was difficult for us and I think this season the players’ intentionality is different because of it,” Millikan coach Marlene Boyd said. “I believe that many of them are focused on moving past some of the hurdles that we faced last year and hope to have a successful season.”
Boyd expects the whole team to perform, but sees the team leaning on seniors Madie Hamm, Samarah Perez, Kate Fast, and Samantha Pierce. She also expects juniors Nicola Heiln, Alanna Deegan, Piper Seymour, and Madison Caceres to contribute this season.
After finishing fourth in league, Compton is back in action looking to continue to add to their experience on the field.
“I think this year is definitely going to be our top year,” Compton coach Leann Rosales said. “The skill level is definitely more advanced because now they have a lot more years underneath their belts. (The season) is looking very positive for sure. It’s definitely looking like we can hopefully make it to the playoffs.”
The Tarbabes will look to Jaylynn Davis, Savannah Saravia, Jocelyn Bonaparte to provide a lift for the team to compete for a league title.
Rosales pointed to the group’s teamwork and trust they’ve developed since Fall that’s contributed to them getting ready for league action.
“It’s really awesome to see how teamwork and having trust within one another actually makes a really big difference on and off the field.”
At Lakewood, the Lancers have a number of multi-sport athletes that have joined the team and provided depth to compete with the rest of the league.
With the addition of night practice, coach Fernando Viramontes is excited about how the team has been able to develop with the extra practice time.
“Our chemistry will be high now that the girls have been with each other for a full year or more,” Viramontes said. “Our night practices during the winter will pay off.”
Lakewood will look to Pina Uigaese, Kayleen Hernandez, Nori Vivao, Izzy Gutierrez and Sam McNamee to be a big part of the team’s success.
At 1600 Atlantic, Long Beach Poly is looking to build on their returners’ experience to compete with the rest of the league.
“I’m really looking forward to this season, especially since it will be my last year coaching,” Poly coach Nasa Tan said. “Lacrosse has been such a big part of my life, and this year is all about embracing the love of the game one last time. We have a great group of athletes, a strong mix of returning players and new talent. I’m excited to see them grow even more throughout the season and compete for the Moore League title.”
Poly expects Caitlyn Jung, Kalia Sysavathly, Avery Shirbroun, and Olive Chang to lead the way for the Jackrabbits.
The Moore League will have seven teams competing in the 2025 season, with Lynwood joining for the first time in lacrosse. The Knights join Downey as the “unconventional” Moore League schools in the growing sport.
