From left to right: Midfielder Sydney Gordon, defender Abigaelle Leconte, defender and Editor-In-Chief of Print and Social Media and defender Gabriela Parini Cordova, and Lead Reporter and defender Haset Tesfaw pose for their senior photo. JACOB FUENTES
On May 5, Malden High School’s Girls’ lacrosse team celebrated a memorable senior night, honoring its graduating players before stepping on the field to go head-to-head against the Somerville Highlanders.
This year, the team highlighted their four seniors: Midfielder Sydney Gordon, defender Abigaelle Leconte, defender and Editor-in-Chief of Print and Social Media Gabriela Parini Cordova, and defender and Lead Reporter Haset Tesfaw.
Prior to the ceremony, Head Coach Devon Pattershall focused on ensuring the night would be perfect for the girls. She spent a day “getting their senior gifts wrapped up, making bouquets,” and running around to ensure she had all the necessary decorations to make the seniors feel appreciated.
The underclassmen players shared a similar sentiment of wanting a perfect celebration for their seniors. Junior Amelia Berliner expressed how she was “focused on making sure that all the senior decorations would be set up, and well done” to ensure the seniors were “able to experience a high quality senior night.”
Although the girls were enthusiastic about the ceremony, players had a couple worries about the game itself. Berliner was aware that the team would have a larger crowd than usual due to the special occasion, so tensions were high when competing against a tough competitor like Somerville.
Despite putting their all into their performance, the game ultimately ended in a 13-1 win for Somerville. This did not ruin the night’s contentment as most of the girls, like Leconte, were “there to have fun” and do their best, no matter the outcome. “It’s not always about winning, but about building a stronger bond through the shared struggle,” Leconte continued.
With the amount of dedication the team has put into the night, it is no doubt that the team greatly treasures the seniors and everything they have contributed to the team. “The seniors have been a really positive influence on the team. I am going to miss their little comments, jokes, and energy they bring each day,” Pattershall shared.
“I think the seniors really contributed to our team environment and if I play next year, I’m sure the team will feel more separated and less like a family without our seniors there,” Berliner added.
Like all senior nights, the game ended with a bittersweet feeling when the realization hit that the season will come to an end soon. “I’m going to miss the team’s resilient, easygoing, and positive spirit after every game,” said Leconte.
Junior Nyla Pierre believes that “losing a few key players” will cause the team to struggle in the future, especially since they were “versatile players and could play in all positions.” However, Pattershall believes this will give more players the opportunity to “step up and fill in” the empty shoes the seniors are leaving behind.
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