But the Bishops did suffer a big loss 34 days later when the school held its graduation ceremonies. Five seniors, several of whom had critical roles in the Bishops’ third consecutive state title, walked across the stage at The Citadel’s McAlister Field House to receive their diplomas.
That included Emma Pizzo, arguably the best girls’ lacrosse player in state history. She was a four-time all-state selection and earned all-America honors three out of her four years at BE. Pizzo, who earned a scholarship to Mercer, finished her sparkling career as the Palmetto State’s all-time leading scorer. Ellie Long, Gabby Meyer and Isabel Petyak were the other key starters who graduated. Long was first team all-state while Meyer and Petyak were Lower State defender selections. Also graduating was defender Madison Bares, who played lacrosse for BE all four years. The talent pool was depleted even further when last year’s freshman goalie decided not to play this year.
You can feel coach Jeff Weiner’s pain when he talks about the talent loss. But he changes tunes quickly when he glances at this season’s roster.
“I guess I can’t cry poverty,” said the affable coach, who is beginning his 10th season at the school, and owns a 114-30 record and two Lower State titles in addition to the three state crowns.
Weiner, who holds his first practice for the 2019 season on Jan. 28, feels the Bishops can claim their fourth state title this spring. But he doesn’t predict another undefeated season, and for good reason.
This year’s schedule would be a challenge for a team that had nothing but seniors on the roster. Bishop England’s starting goalkeeper this season is expected to be freshman Hailey Hubbard, who moved to the Lowcountry from Texas. The bad news: She didn’t play lacrosse until this year. The good news: She comes from a lacrosse family. Her older brother has committed to play for Furman.
The schedule includes Class AAAAA defending state champ J.L. Mann and Lowcountry powerhouse Wando. The Bishops also play Palmetto State powers Nation Ford, Riverside, Clover and Eastside. The Bishops will also battle Stars Mill, one of the top programs in Georgia.
Ava Ward, who was an all-America midfielder is one of the top returners in 2019, along with Ginger Tompkins, who was the state’s defender of the year and first team all-state.
Grace Ann Carlson was first team all-state, too, in addition to being named the state’s top attacker.
All-state defender Annie Burton also returns as does Morgan Roberts, who earned second-team all-state honors.
Weiner expects to have at least five freshmen on the roster and how quickly they mature will be crucial.
“The seniors will have to instill into them that we win because we are not individuals,” Weiner said. “We share the... Click here to read full article
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