Mars Area High School Girls Varsity Lacrosse Team is expecting a return to post-season play this season.
In 2025, the Lady Planets advanced to the first round of the 2025 PIAA Class 2A Girls Varsity Lacrosse Championship, after earning the team’s third consecutive WPIAL Title and the Section 2-2A title. The team ended the regular season with an overall record of 15-1 and went undefeated (10-0) in section play.
“We want to continue to defend our championship title and reach new heights at the PIAA State level for 2A Girls Lacrosse,” says Abby Zorrilla, head coach.
Returning to this year’s team are senior Anna McGrath, who was named a 2025 Academic All-American; and, along with senior Tess McGrath, to the 2025 All-WPIAL Team. Anna McGrath, Tess McGrath and junior Hailey Long were selected for the All-Section 2-2A First Team; juniors Lucy Balazs and Katie Blake and sophomore Nicolette Lefcakis for the Second Team; and junior Keira Raishart received an honorable mention. Other players to watch include junior Julia Lego.
Rounding out the team are senior Lydia Tomkovicz; juniors Alexa Knowlton, Madelyn Peterson and Jenna Smith; sophomores Coali Bonus, Ella DePaoli, Reanna Kolarcik-Schmitt, Riley Long, McKenna McMurtrie, Olivia Paugh, Lily Roach, Emily Tillapaugh, Sydney Truver, Reese Polito and Makenna Weaver; and, freshmen Annabelle Cox, Zoey Dabrieo, Madelyn Gallagher, Danielle Mollica, Gia Raishart, Lola Seideneck and Lily Wilson.
2024-2025
Graduates Named Butler Eagle Lacrosse Players of the Year
Mars Area High School Class of 2025 graduates Ben Bowser and Ella Roach were named the 2025 Butler Eagle Boys and Girls Lacrosse Player of the Year, respectively.
This season, Roach (goalie) was voted Team MVP, stopping 138 shots this season and amassing a career total of 440 saves. She was named a 2025 USA Lacrosse All-American and to the All-WPIAL and All Section 2-2A teams.
She will continue her lacrosse career with the Dukes Women’s Lacrosse Team at Duquesne University, where she plans to major in biology.
Also of note on the girls team, incoming seniors Anna McGrath and Tess McGrath and incoming juniors Katie Blake and Hailey Long were selected for the 2025 Butler Eagle Girls Lacrosse First Team. Incoming sophomore Niki Lefcakis received an honorable mention.
This season, Bowser (midfielder) scored 27 goals, had 32 assists and earned 59 points, amassing a total of 161 career points. Bowser was named Team MVP as well as to the 2025 All-WPIAL and All-Section 2-2A teams.
He will continue his lacrosse career with the Scots Men’s Lacrosse Team at Maryville College, where he plans to major in finance.
In addition on the boys team, Class of 2025 graduates Ian Coulter, Jack Mueller and Luke Spreng, and incoming senior Jack Tirch were selected for the 2025 Butler Eagle Boys Lacrosse First Team. Incoming seniors Mike Duffy and Henry Saver and incoming junior Reed Fuller received honorable mentions.
For further details, visit Butler Eagle.
2025 PIAA Class 2A Boys Varsity Lacrosse Championship
Mars Area High School Boys Varsity Lacrosse Team advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2025 PIAA Class 2A Boys Varsity Lacrosse Championship on June 7; but was defeated 15-10 by the Allentown Central Catholic Vikings.
The Fightin’ Planets downed the Lower Dauphin Falcons 12-2 in the first round of the PIAA Playoffs on June 3. The team earned a spot in the state playoffs after earning its ninth consecutive WPIAL Title with its 7-5 defeat of the South Fayette Lions in the final game of the 2025 WPIAL Class 2A Boys Varsity Lacrosse Championship on May 23.
The team triumphed over the Hampton Talbots 13-6 in the WPIAL Semifinals on May 19; and, shut out the Bethel Park Black Hawks 18-0 in the WPIAL Quarterfinals on May 15. The Planets ended the regular season with an overall record of 15-2 and went undefeated (10-0) in section, earning the Section 2-2A title.
Players on this year’s team included seniors Ben Bowser (Maryville College), Sean Brennan (Baldwin Wallace University), Ian Coulter (Vassar College), Jack Mueller (John Carroll University), Luke Spreng (Muskingum University) and Logan Truitt (Muskingum University), all of whom have signed letters of intent to continue their lacrosse careers at the college level.
Rounding out the team were senior Hudson Choffel; juniors Mike Duffy, Ryan Kelly, Chase Lamm, Noah Lamping, Connor Long, David Renner, Henry Saver, Jack Tirch, Grant Weaver and Josh Wilburn; sophomores Blake Cote, Mata Choffel, Nate Deglau, Reed Fuller, Jack James, Camden Kleba, Isiah Dennis, Isaac McMichael, Luke Reinhart and Wyatt Wilson; and, freshmen Carter Yokum, Brennan DaSilva, Finn McKenzie, Talan Tsai, Max Rings, Bennie Ruiz and Jaxon Bender.
For further details, visit PIAA.
Girls Lacrosse Team Ends Season in State Playoffs
Mars Area High School Girls Varsity Lacrosse Team advanced to the first round of the 2025 PIAA Class 2A Girls Varsity Lacrosse Championship on June 3, but was defeated 11-10 in overtime by the Twin Valley Raiders.
The Lady Planets earned the team’s third consecutive WPIAL Title with its 16-5 defeat of the Chartiers Valley Warriors in the final game of the 2025 WPIAL Class 2A Girls Varsity Lacrosse Championship on May 23.
The team trounced the Blackhawk Cougars 13-8 in the WPIAL Semifinals on May 19; and, grounded the Oakland Catholic Eagles 23-1 in the WPIAL Quarterfinals on May 14. The Planets ended the regular season with an overall record of 15-1 and went undefeated (10-0) in section play, earning the Section 2-2A title.
Players on this year’s team included senior Ella Roach (captain), who has signed a letter of intent to join the Dukes Women’s Lacrosse Team at Duquesne University. Rounding out the team were senior Charlotte Paugh (captain); juniors Anna McGrath (captain), Tess McGrath (captain), Lydia Tomkovicz; sophomores Lucy Balazs, Katie Blake, Alexa Knowlton, Julia Lego, Hailey Long, Madalyn Peterson, Keira Raishart and Jenna Smith; and, freshman Coali Bonus, Makenzie Clark, Ella DePaoli, Reanna Kolarcik-Schmitt, Nicolette Lefcakis, Riley Long, McKenna McMurtrie, Reese Polito, Olivia Paugh, Lily Roach, Emily Tillapaugh, Sydney Truver and Makenna Weaver.
For more information, call (724) 625-9380 or visit www.piaa.org.
Boys Varsity Lacrosse Team Earns Ninth Consecutive WPIAL Title
The Fightin’ Planets triumphed over the Hampton Talbots 13-6 in the WPIAL Semifinals on May 19; and, shut out the Bethel Park Black Hawks 18-0 in the WPIAL Quarterfinals on May 15. The team ended the regular season with an overall record of 15-2 and went undefeated (10-0) in section, earning the Section 2-2A title.
For more information, visit WPIAL.
Girls Varsity Lacrosse Team Earns Third Consecutive WPIAL Title
The Lady Planets trounced the Blackhawk Cougars 13-8 in the WPIAL Semifinals on May 19; and, grounded the Oakland Catholic Eagles 23-1 in the WPIAL Quarterfinals on May 14. The team ended the regular season with an overall record of 15-1 and went undefeated (10-0) in section play, earning the Section 2-2A title.
For more information, visit WPIAL.
Boys Lacrosse Players Named to All-Section Team
Four members of Mars Area High School Boys Varsity Lacrosse Team are listed among the top players in the region.
Senior captain Jack Mueller (defense), along with juniors Jack Tirch (midfielder) and Josh Wilburn (midfielder/faceoff), were named to the All Section 2-2A Team. Sophomore Blake Cote (midfielder) received an Honorable Mention.
For more information, visit WPIAL.
Boys Lacrosse Team Ready for Return to Playoffs
Mars Area High School Boys Varsity Lacrosse Team is aiming for a return to post-season competition this season.
In 2024, the Fightin’ Planets took second place in the PIAA Class 2A Boys Varsity Lacrosse Championship after winning the WPIAL Championship and Section 2-2A titles.
On April 4, the team has earned the program’s 200th victory with the Fightin’ Planets’ 12-5 defeat of the Hampton Talbots. In addition, head coach Bob Marcoux recorded his 150th victory with the team’s 14-2 win over the Peter Township Indians on March 28.
Since the team’s inception in 2013, the Planets have advanced to the WPIAL Championships in every year and have earned the WPIAL Title for the last seven consecutive seasons. The team has competed in the PIAA state playoffs in the last seven seasons; won the PIAA Title in 2022; and was named the 2021-2022 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Boys Varsity Lacrosse Team of the Year.
Returning players on this year’s team include seniors Ben Bowser and Ian Coulter; both of whom were selected for the 2024 All-WPIAL Class 2A and All-Section 2-2A teams. Also returning are seniors Sean Brennan, Hudson Choffel, Jack Mueller, Luke Spreng and Logan Truitt; juniors Mike Duffy, Ryan Kelly, Chase Lamm, Connor Long, David Renner, Henry Saver, Jack Tirch, Grant Weaver and Josh Wilburn; sophomores Blake Cote, Mata Choffel, Nate Deglau, Reed Fuller, Jack James, Camden Kleba, Isiah Dennis, Isaac McMichael, Luke Reinhart and Wyatt Wilson.
Rounding out the team are junior Noah Lamping; and, freshmen Carter Yokum, Brennan DaSilva, Finn McKenzie, Talan Tsai, Max Rings, Bennie Ruiz and Jaxon Bender.
Boys Lacrosse Team Earns 200th Program Win
Head Coach Bob Marcoux Records 150th Victory
Mars Area High School Boys Varsity Lacrosse Team has earned the program’s 200th victory with the Fightin’ Planets’ 12-5 defeat of the Hampton Talbots on April 4.
Since the team’s inception in 2013, the Planets have advanced to the WPIAL Championships in every year and have earned the WPIAL Title for the last seven consecutive seasons. The team has competed in the PIAA state playoffs in the last seven seasons; won the PIAA Title in 2022; and was named the 2021-2022 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Boys Varsity Lacrosse Team of the Year.
Also of note, head coach Bob Marcoux recorded his 150th victory with the team’s 14-2 win over the Peter Township Indians on March 28. Marcoux, who began as the team’ coach in 2017, was named the 2022 WPIAL Class 2A Boys Lacrosse Coach of the Year, 2022 National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS)/Pennsylvania Boys Lacrosse Coach of the Year; and 2022 NFHS Associations Section 2 Lacrosse Coach of the Year.
For more information, call (724) 625-9380.
Girls Lacrosse Team Expecting Return to Playoffs
Mars Area High School Girls Varsity Lacrosse Team is expecting a return to post-season play this season.
In 2024, the Lady Planets advanced to the quarterfinals of the PIAA Class 2A Girls Varsity Lacrosse Championship, after earning the WPIAL Title and the Section 2-2A Title. The Planets ended the regular season with an overall record of 18-3-1 and 11-0 in section.
“We are working hard to defend the championship title and repeat it this season!” says Abby Latona, head coach, who was named the 2024 USA Lacrosse Western Pennsylvania Coach of the Year. “Our 2025 Team motto is ‘Defend & Repeat.’ We continue to create a culture of hard work, grit, positivity, empowerment, and setting the standard for girls lacrosse in Pittsburgh.”
Returning to this year’s team are senior Ella Roach (captain), who was named a 2024 USA Lacrosse All-American as well as to the All-WPIAL First Team; junior Tess McGrath (captain) who was selected for the All-WPIAL Second Team; and sophomore Hailey Long, who received an All-WPIAL honorable mention. Other players to watch include junior Anna McGrath (captain) and sophomores Lucy Balazs and Katie Blake.
Rounding out this year’s team are senior Charlotte Paugh (captain); junior Lydia Tomkovicz; sophomores Alexa Knowlton, Julia Lego, Madalyn Peterson, Keira Raishart and Jenna Smith; and, freshman Coali Bonus, Makenzie Clark, Ella DePaoli, Reanna Kolarcik-Schmitt, Nicolette Lefcakis, Riley Long, McKenna McMurtrie, Reese Polito, Olivia Paugh, Lily Roach, Emily Tillapaugh, Sydney Truver and Makenna Weaver.
For more information, call (724) 625-9380 or visit www.piaa.org.
Boys Lacrosse Players Named to All-WPIAL, Section Teams
Several members of Mars Area High School Boys Varsity Lacrosse Team are listed among the top players in the region.
Class of 2024 graduates Ryan Blake (midfield), Enzo Grieco (attack), Jack McKenzie (face off go off) and Cole Yoshioka (defense); incoming seniors Ben Bowser (midfield) and Ian Coulter (attack); and incoming sophomore Jack Dwyer (long stick midfield) were selected for the All-WPIAL Class 2A and All-Section 2-2A teams.
For more information, visit WPIAL.
Girls Lacrosse Players Earn Post-Season Honors
Three members of Mars Area High School Girls Varsity Lacrosse Team were honored by USA Lacrosse.
Class of 2024 graduate McKenna Merritt (midfield) received the Jackie Pitts Award, which recognizes those players who go above and beyond in service to their team, school and community. 2024 graduate Mya Cote (midfield) and incoming senior Ella Roach (goalie) were named Girls Varsity Lacrosse All-Americans.
For more information, visit USA Lacrosse Awards.
Boys Lacrosse Players Named to All-WPIAL, Section Teams
Several members of Mars Area High School Boys Varsity Lacrosse Team are listed among the top players in the region.
Class of 2024 graduates Mya Cote and McKenna Merritt and incoming senior Ella Roach were named to the 2024 All-WPIAL Girls Lacrosse Team. Cote, Merritt and Roach, along with 2024 graduate Sophia Bucknum, were also selected for the 2024 All-Section 2-2A Team.
For more information, visit WPIAL.
Boys Lacrosse Team Takes Second Place in State Playoffs
Mars Area High School Boys Varsity Lacrosse Team advanced to the final game of the 2024 PIAA Class 2A Boys Varsity Lacrosse Championship on June 15; but was defeated 11-9 by the Marple Newtown Tigers.
The Fightin’ Planets defeated the South Fayette Lions 20-10 in the PIAA Semifinals on June 11; ebbed away the Devon Prep Tide 18-6 in the PIAA Quarterfinals on June 8; and triumphed over the Hershey Trojans 19-3 in the first round of the PIAA play on June 4. The team advanced to the state playoffs after taming the South Fayette Lions 16-5 in the final game of the 2024 WPIAL Class 2A Boys Varsity Lacrosse Championship and earning the team’s eighth WPIAL title on May 22.
The team shut out the Hampton Talbots 13-0 in the WPIAL Semifinals on May 20; and routed the Seton LaSalle Rebels 25-1 in the WPIAL Quarterfinals on May 15. The Planets ended the regular season with an overall record of 14-3 and 10-0 in section, earning the 2024 Section 2-2A title.
Players on this year’s team included Class of 2024 graduates Gael Avalos (Immaculata University), Cole Dermitt (Chatham University), Enzo Grieco (Pennsylvania State University), Jack McKenzie (University of Maryland, Baltimore County) and Cole Yoshioka (Wagner College), all of whom have signed letters of intent to continue their lacrosse careers at the college level.
Rounding out the team are 2024 graduates Ryan Blake, Dom Caldwell, and Dylan Phillips; incoming seniors Ben Bowser, Sean Brennan, Hudson Choffel, Ian Coulter, Jack Mueller, Luke Spreng and Logan Truitt; incoming juniors Mike Duffy, Ryan Kelly, Chase Lamm, Connor Long, David Renner, Henry Saver, Jack Tirch, Ethan Vactor, Grant Weaver and Josh Wilburn; and, incoming sophomores Blake Cote, Anderson Choffel, Nate Deglau, Isaiah Dennis, Jack Dwyer, Reed Fuller, Jack James, Camden Kleba, Isaac McMichael, Luke Reinhart, Carson Webber and Wyatt Wilson.
For more information, call (724) 625-9380 or visit www.piaa.org.
Girls Lacrosse Team Ends Season in PIAA Quarterfinals
Mars Area High School Girls Varsity Lacrosse Team advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2024 PIAA Class 2A Girls Varsity Lacrosse Championship on June 8, but was defeated 10-8 by the Villa Maria Academy Hurricanes.
The Lady Planets trampled the Trinity Shamrocks 11-9 in the first round of the PIAA Playoffs on June 4. The team advanced to the state playoffs after breaking the Chartiers Valley Colts 14-6 in the final game of the 2024 WPIAL Class 2A Girls Varsity Lacrosse Championship and earning the WPIAL Title on May 23.
The team defeated the Penn-Trafford Warriors 15-5 in the WPIAL Semifinals on May 20; and tamed the Moon Area Tigers 15-4 in the WPIAL Quarterfinals on May 16. The Planets ended the regular season with an overall record of 14-2 and 11-0 in section, earning the Section 2-2A title.
Players on this year’s team include graduate Mya Cote (Class of 2024) (captain), who signed a letter of intent to join the Hawks Women’s Lacrosse Team at St. Joseph’s University and, who, along with 2024 graduates Sophia Bucknum (captain) and McKenna Merritt (captain) and incoming senior Ella Roach were named to the All-Section 2-2A Team.
Other players include 2024 graduates Anna Bowser, Sophia Darocy, Ava Day, Kennedy Kolson, Kaitlyn Lawless and Claire Magness (captain); incoming senior Charlotte Paugh; incoming juniors Julia Lego, Anna McGrath, Tess McGrath and Lydia Tomkovicz; and incoming sophomores Lucy Balazs, Katie Blake, Emlyn Kasperowicz, Alexa Knowlton, Hailey Long, Madalyn Peterson, Keira Raishart and Jenna Smith.
For more information, visit www.piaa.org.
Boys. Girls Lacrosse Teams Crowned WPIAL Champions
Mars Area High School Boys and Girls Varsity Lacrosse Team were both crowned 2024 WPIAL Class 2A Lacrosse Champions.
The boys team tamed the South Fayette Lions 16-5 in the final game of the 2024 WPIAL Class 2A Boys Varsity Lacrosse Championship on May 22, earning the team’s eighth WPIAL title.
The Fightin’ Planets shut out the Hampton Talbots 13-0 in the WPIAL Semifinals on May 20; and routed the Seton LaSalle Rebels 25-1 in the WPIAL quarterfinals on May 15. The team ended the regular season with an overall record of 14-3 and went undefeated (10-0) in section, earning the 2024 Section 2-2A title.
The girls team broke the Chartiers Valley Colts 14-6 in the final game of the 2024 WPIAL Class 2A Girls Varsity Lacrosse Championship on May 23.
The Lady Planets defeated the Penn-Trafford Warriors 15-5 in the WPIAL Semifinals on May 20; and tamed the Moon Area Tigers 15-4 in the WPIAL Quarterfinals on May 16. The team ended the regular season with an overall record of 14-2 and 11-0 in section play, earning the Section 2-2A title.
Both teams will advance to the first round of the 2024 PIAA Class 2A Lacrosse Championships on Tuesday, June 4. The time and location of the games has yet to be determined.
For more information, visit www.wpial.org.
Player Nominated for Athlete of the Week
Grieco, a member of the Fightin’ Planets Boys Varsity Lacrosse Team scored eight goals in the team’s 17-9 victory over the Upper St. Clair Panthers on April 5. He assisted on two additional goals.
To cast a vote for Grieco, visit Vote for Grieco. Voting ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 14.
2022-2023
2023 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Boys Varsity Lacrosse Player of the Year
Grieco helped lead Fightin’ Planets to win the WPIAL Class 2A Boys Varsity Lacrosse Championship Title, its seventh consecutive WPIAL title, and to second place in the 2023 PIAA Class 2A Boys Varsity Lacrosse Championships. The Planets ended the regular season with an overall record of 16-2 and went undefeated (10-0) in section, earning the 2023 Section 2-2A title.
This season, Grieco scored 113 goals and had 42 assists. An All-American attacker, he is a Penn State recruit.
For more information, visit www.post-gazette.com.
Lacrosse Team Members Named Among Top Players
Several members of Mars Area High School Boys and Girls Varsity Lacrosse Teams were named among the best players in the region.
On the boys team, seniors Enzo Grieco and Jack McKenzie were named USA Lacrosse All-Americans.
Class of 2023 graduates Jack Dunham, Evan Frye, Jonathan Grieco and Kyle McEwen and seniors Enzo Grieco, Jack McKenzie and Cole Yoshioka were selected for the All-WPIAL Class 2A Team.
2023 graduates Jack Dunham, Ian Edinger, Evan Frye and Jonathan Grieco and seniors Enzo Grieco, Jack McKenzie and Cole Yoshioka were named to the All-Section 2-2A Team.
This season, the Fightin’ Planets took second place in the 2023 PIAA Class 2A Boys Varsity Lacrosse Championships; first place in the WPIAL Class 2A Boys Varsity Lacrosse Championship; and earned the Section 2-2A title.
On the girls team, Class of 2023 graduate Charlotte Stamper and senior Mya Cote were selected for the All-WPIAL Class 2A Team. Class of 2023 graduate Charlotte Stamper and seniors Mya Cote and McKenna Merritt were named to the Section 2-2A Team.
This season, the Lady Planets advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2023 PIAA Class 2A Girls Varsity Lacrosse Championships, after winning the WPIAL Class 2A Championship Title. The team ended the regular season with an overall record of 17-1 and 11-0 in section play and earned the Section 2-2A title.
For more information, call (724) 625-9380.
2022-2023
2023 PIAA Class 2A Boys Varsity Lacrosse Championships
Mars Area High School Boys Varsity Lacrosse Team advanced to the final game of the 2023 PIAA Class 2A Boys Varsity Lacrosse Championships on June 17, but was defeated 11-10 by the Marple Newtown Tigers.
The Fightin’ Planets overpowered the Lampeter-Strasburg Pioneers 11-7 in the PIAA Semifinals on June 13; whomped the Susquehannock Warriors 10-5 in the PIAA Quarterfinals on June 10; and, topped the Trinity Hillers 16-1 in the first round of PIAA play on June 6.
The team advanced to the state playoffs after taming the South Fayette Lions 16-7 in the final game of the WPIAL Class 2A Boys Varsity Lacrosse Championship on May 24 and earning the team’s seventh consecutive WPIAL Title. The team triumphed over the Hampton Talbots 18-4 in the WPIAL Semifinals on May 22; and trounced the Moon Area Tigers 17-1 in the WPIAL Quarterfinals on May 17.
The Planets ended the regular season with an overall record of 16-2 and went undefeated (10-0) in section, earning the 2023 Section 2-2A title.
Players on this year’s team included seniors Jack Dunham and Kyle McEwen and junior Vincenzo Grieco, each of whom surpassed 100 career points scored this season.
Rounding out the team are seniors Ian Edinger, Evan Frye, Jacob Goul, Jonathan Grieco and Leo Saver; juniors Gael Avalos, Ryan Blake, Ben Bowser, Domenic Caldwell, Dom Christifano, Cole Dermitt, Conner Hartle, Jack McKenzie, Dylan Phillips and Cole Yoshioka sophomores Sean Brennan, Hudson Choffel, Ian Coulter, Jackson Garr, Sam Joliat, Jack Mueller, Patrick Maestra, Ryan McGee, Sean Muchnok, Luke Spreng and Carson Tomcik and Logan Truitt; and, freshmen Mike Duffy, Rowan Farnham, Carter Gallagher, Ryan Kelly, Chase Lamm, Connor Long, David Renner, Henry Saver, Jack Tirch, Ethan Vactor, Grant Weaver, Jack Weaver and Josh Wilburn.
For more information, visit www.piaa.org.
2023 Western Pennsylvania Positive Athlete “Most Positive” Coach
Abby Latona, head coach of Mars Area High School Girls Varsity Lacrosse Team was named a 2023 Western Pennsylvania Positive Athlete “Most Positive” Coach.
The award recognizes student-athletes and coaches for excellence on and off the field as well as for maintaining an optimistic attitude; leadership and encouragement of others, a team mindset, and giving 100 percent all of the time.
This season, Latona led the Lady Planets to the quarterfinals of the 2023 PIAA Class 2A Girls Varsity Lacrosse Championships as well as to earn the 2023 WPIAL Championship Title. The team ended the regular season with an overall record of 17-1 and 11-0 in section play, earning the Section 2-2A title.
For details, visit Positive Athlete Awards.
2023 PIAA Class 2A Girls Varsity Lacrosse Championships
Mars Area High School Girls Varsity Lacrosse Team advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2023 PIAA Class 2A Girls Varsity Lacrosse Championships on June 10, but were defeated 10-6 by the Bishop Shanahan Eagles.
The Lady Planets grounded the Lower Dauphin Falcons 18-9 in the first round of the PIAA playoffs on June 6. The team tamed the Blackhawk Cougars 10-9 in the final game of the 2023 WPIAL Class 2A Girls Varsity Lacrosse Championship Title on May 24 and earned the WPIAL Title.
The team broke the Chartiers Valley Colts 10-7 in the WPIAL Semifinals on May 22; and defeated the Franklin Regional Panthers 17-6 in the WPIAL Quarterfinals on May 18. The Planets ended the regular season with an overall record of 17-1 and 11-0 in section play, earning the Section 2-2A title.
Players on this year’s team include senior Charlotte Stamper, who scored her 200th career goal in the 2023 WPIAL Final, and juniors Mya Cote and McKenna Merritt, each of whom earned her 100th career point earlier this season. Cote was also named a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Athlete of the Week
Other team members included seniors Katie Ford, Emma Grell, Ainsley McGee, Jessica McNulty, Amber O’Neil, Carly Radomski, Sarah Teamann and Alexis Whitworth; juniors Anna Bowser, Sophia Bucknum, Sophia Darocy, Ava Day, Kennedy Kolson, Kaitlyn Lawless and Claire Magness; sophomores Mackenzie Aufderheide, Breanna Goerl, Ellie Koma, Sarah Maloney, Charlotte Paugh, Ella Roach, Brooke Southwell, Victoria Symchak, Tess Tacik, Addisyn Vavala and Meagan Williams; and, freshmen Anna McGrath, Tess McGrath, Madalyn Osterman and Lydia Tomkovicz.
For more information, visit www.piaa.org.
Senior Score 200th Career Goal
Stamper (midfielder) achieved the milestone on May 24 during the final game of the 2023 WPIAL Class 2A Girls Varsity Lacrosse Championship at which the Lady Planets defeated the Blackhawk Cougars 10-9 in overtime and earned the 2023 WPIAL Title. She reached 200 goals in only three seasons, as the team’s 2020 season was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information, call (724) 625-9380.
2023 WPIAL Class 2A Varsity Lacrosse Champions
Mars Area High School Boys and Girls Varsity Lacrosse Teams took first place in the 2023 WPIAL Class 2A Boys and Girls Varsity Lacrosse Championships, respectively, on May 24.
The Fightin’ Planets triumphed over the South Fayette Lions 16-7 in the WPIAL Final, earning the team’s seventh consecutive Championship Title. The team trounced the Hampton Talbots 18-4 in the WPIAL Semifinals on May 22; and tamed the Moon Area Tigers 17-1 in the WPIAL Quarterfinals on May 17.
The Lady Planets came back from a five-point deficit to defeat the Blackhawk Cougars 10-9 in overtime to take the WPIAL Championship Title. The team broke the Chartiers Valley Colts 10-7 in the WPIAL Semifinals on May 22; and defeated the Franklin Regional Panthers 17-6 in the WPIAL Quarterfinals on May 18.
Both teams will advance to the first round of their respective 2023 PIAA Class 2A Varsity Lacrosse Championships on Tuesday, June 6. For details, visit www.piaa.org.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Athlete of the Week
Mars Area High School junior 
Cote, a member of Mars Area High School Girls Varsity Lacrosse Team, scored 5 goals and had 2 assists in the Lady Planets 21-4 defeat of the North Catholic Trojans on April 18. The win brought the team’s season record to 10-0.
This season, Cote has amassed 39 goals and 11 assists, bringing her career tally to 126 goals and 31 assists. In 2022, Cote was selected for the All-WPIAL (Class 2A) Team.
For more information, visit Post-Gazette Athlete of the Week.
Junior Score 100th Career Goal
Merritt scored had three goals and three assists in the team’s 17-4 defeat of the Lions. She also earned her 150th career point at the game.
Also of note, Merritt had her 50th assist at the Lady Planets 18-8 win over the Chartiers Valley on April 11. She scored five goals in the match-up.
For more information, call (724) 625-9380.