The Bishop Ireton girls lacrosse team is off to the finest start in school history. As of April 30, Cardinals had an overall record of 6-4, including victories against St. Georges (England), Annandale, Holy Cross, O'Connell, St. John’s and Good Counsel.

The team is led by first-year head coach Amy Mantooth. Ireton has had four different head coaches the past four years. Thus, seniors Katie Kestermann, Cate Thompson, Stephanie Giammittorio and Julie Bernier deserve a badge of honor for having to adjust to four schemes in four seasons.

Excluding the "fab four," everyone else on the team is either a junior or a sophomore.

"We have a young team," Mantooth said. "I've been impressed with the way the girls have been mentally focused this year."

The defense is anchored by sophomore goaltender Kari Morrison (also a soccer and basketball standout). Kestermann, Thompson and junior Molly Gannon (third man) assist Morrison and comprise the finest defense in Ireton history.

"Kari is very, very good. She has something like 85 saves on the season - including 16 vs. Good Counsel (a 12-3 Ireton win)," said Mantooth.

"Katie and Cate are true leaders on and off the field. They are our team captains, along with Stephanie (Giammittorio).

"Molly is a potential All-American candidate. She is having an excellent season" said Mantooth.

Giammittorio and sophomore Allison Goodhart comprise the defensive wings. "Stephanie is a little quiet, but she is aggressive, plays great defense and does a real good job. Allison was called up to varsity after starting the season on JV," said Mantooth.

Gannon leads the team with 16 blocks. Kestermann, Thompson, Giammittorio and Goodhart have combined for more than 40 blocks on the season.

Offensively, junior Renee Cleveland plays center. Juniors Kelly Vornadore and Caithlin Gorman play attack wings. Gorman, like Gannon, is a possible All-American candidate.

Cleveland leads the Cardinals with 18 "draw controls" (essentially a faceoff). Vornadore's six "draw controls" ranks second.

Sophomore Lauren Schab plays "first home"; junior Kacie Polvinale plays "second home"; and junior Katie McSween plays "third home".

In terms of scoring production, Gorman (14 goals/three assists), Gannon (13/four), Polvinale (eight/three) and Vornadore (five/five) pace the Cardinal attack.

Key subs include senior Julie Bernier and sophomores Beth Dauer and Sarah Swinehart.

The WCAC lacrosse playoffs begin May 6.