Reservoir's Kara Barry looks to pass with two Liberty defenders closing in during a recent scrimmage. Barry is one of 13 underclassmen on this spring's Gator roster.
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by Rob Klemko

For the first time in five years, the girls' lacrosse team at Reservoir High has the same coach for two seasons. Gators' coach Trish Derwart says it’s the difference between simply playing for a team and playing for a program.

“Now the girls know that I’m as committed as they are,” said Derwart, whose team posted a 2-12 record last season. “We’ve always had athletes here but never had the dedication.”

The Ohio State University and Mount Hebron High alum knows all about lacrosse success, now she hopes to translate that to a school that hasn’t had a winning season in over ten years.

The Gators return six starters to the 2008 team, but the midfield will consist of freshmen and sophomores. Senior defender Kortney Dyer will be there to provide direction.

“Her on-on-one presence is what were going to look to her for,” Derwart said. “She’ll be our anchor on defense.”

Reservoir has also returned its leading scorers in junior attack McKenzie Stough and sophomore attack Julia Joo. Both scored over 20 goals in 2007.

“Now there’s some stability here and I’ve worked with these girls before and that’s making all the difference,” Derwart said. The Gators will get a chance to demonstrate the difference April 1 in a visit to Long Reach.

Reservoir Gators girls' lacrosse, at a glance:
Coach: Trish Derwart
2007 record: 2-12
Top players: Kortney Dyer, Sr., defense; Julia Joo, So., attack; McKenzie Stough, Jr., attack