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Lakeville North girls find winning ways

By Brian Stensaas, Star Tribune, 05/17/11, 3:51PM CDT

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First-year as an independent team is finding early success

A season that began with so many questions has brought a host of revealing answers for the Lakeville North girls' lacrosse team. And they are much more positive than coach Kate Leavell could have imagined.

The Panthers are wrapping up their first season as a single team after existing as a co-op with Lakeville South the past five seasons. When each went its own direction for this year, much of the existing junior varsity team opted for Lakeville South, leaving North with a severe numbers hit.

"It's very difficult. Some teams really struggle to come back after that," Leavell said earlier this spring. "It takes a little while to rebuild."

But the Panthers have sped up the process. Despite most of its players being sophomores or younger, Lakeville North entered this week 7-3 and fresh off a huge victory over No. 4 Stillwater.

Sophomore Hannah Koloski netted five goals and a pair of assists in the game. She and Kacie Waagbo have combined for 73 goals this season.

"I didn't think it would be this good," Leavell said after her team defeated the Ponies. "The team has been so effective and efficient. They've really pulled it together."

After rounding out the regular season this week, the section tournament begins.

The Lakeville co-op upset Bloomington Kennedy a year ago out of Section 3, so expectations are high.

"We want to get to the top," Leavell said. "But it's a strong field, and it's not going to be easy."