BY EARL VAUGHAN JR. | CityView Sports Columnist
Here is a preview of Cumberland County boys and girls lacrosse.
BOYS
Jack Britt
Coach: Aaron Stubenvoll
Top returners: Chris Sartain, MF, Sr.; Joseph Stubenvoll, G, Jr.; Jack Rodeck, ATT, Jr.; Grayson Pope, MF, Jr.
Promising newcomers: Bryce Bennett, MF, Sr.; Peyton Brehm, MF/FO, So.; Dalton Canders, D, So.; Cooper Rodriguez, MF, So.
Coach’s comment: “New coach, a lot of new players, positive attitude. Growth-minded is the focus of this season as we learn and master the skills needed to be successful on and off the field. Expect great saves by Captain Joey Stubenvoll as he has grown in skill through experience of the past two season and through dedicated offseason work. Captain Chris Sartain, Methodist University commit, plays tough on both ends, excels at any position and has the competency to lead this team. The offensive cast consists of Jack Rodeck, Grayson Pope and Cooper Rodriguez in the offensive zone. Football converts Bryce Bennett and Peyton Brehm and hockey convert Dalton Canders show the importance of being multi-sport athletes as they lock down in the defensive zone. Jack Britt lacrosse intends to put forth a competitive team.’’
Gray’s Creek
Coach: Mike Davis
Top returners: Tucker Davis, MF, Sr.; Mason Ward, G, Sr.; Adrian Florez, ATT, Jr.; Kole Smith, ATT, So.
Promising newcomers: Tyler Davis, MF, Sr.; Fletcher Witherow, MF, Fr.; Chad Waleisky, D, Fr.
Coach’s comment: “We are very excited about the growth of the team this season. The high energy, great attitudes and hard work of all of the players will make them competitive this season. The lacrosse IQ as a whole has grown exponentially in the preseason and the team is communicating very well on both sides of the ball. It will be a great second season for the Gray’s Creek Bears in 2024.
Terry Sanford
Coach: Lee Gutierrez
Top returners: Logan Constandse, Tate Manell, Mykel McGill, Connor Faulk, Jackson Gutierrez.
Promising newcomers: Noah Sager, Broklyn Jacobs, Varden Webb.
Coach’s comment: “With a significant portion of our offensive lineup returning, we are poised for a season marked by skillful plays, strategic moves and an abundance of goals. We are hoping for at least a 10-win season with a spot in the playoffs.’’
GIRLS
Fayetteville Academy
Coach: Vin Intini
Top returners: Vanni Intini ATT/MF; Polly Miller, MF/ATT; Mary Reese Barkman, MF/ATT; Mia Ruiz, DEF; Campbell Burt G.
Promising newcomers: Izzy Stearns, ATT; Lola Levine, ATT; Lindsey Robbins, ATT.
Coach’s comment: “The Eagles have a great mix of dominant, returning talent and athletic, energetic newcomers. They are poised for another deep playoff run this year, as they set their sites on a return to the state championship game.’’
Terry Sanford
Coach: Jennifer White
Top returners: Savannah Patton, G, Sr.; Emma Claire Garlington, ATT, Sr.; Lauren Zuravel, D, Sr.; Ellie Sherril, MF, Jr.; Clara Armstrong, ATT, Jr.
Promising newcomers: none.
Coach’s comment: “After a year of rebuilding and working hard this off-season, we have a big group of seniors ready to lead this team to another conference and state championship run.’’
