Greenbrier girls play in first game

Lakeside High School's girls lacrosse team spoiled the debut of Greenbrier's new team Saturday, defeating the Lady Wolfpack 12-0 in their debut scrimmage game at Greenbrier's stadium.

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"They had a good time even though they lost," said Mark Leszczynski, the Lady Wolfpack's head coach.

Leszczynski said his main objective in the team's first season is to build excitement about lacrosse among his players.

"Our goal is to beat Lakeside the last game of the season," he said with a smile. "We'll see if that's going to happen."

Lakeside's girls lacrosse team is beginning its second season.

"Last year was our first year, so the girls have improved tremendously since last year, and all they can do is continue to get better," Lakeside coach Sandra Bailey said.

The Panthers also are excited to have competition close to home.

Lakeside's girls squad traveled to Atlanta to play each game last season. This year, Lakeside's girls play eight games at home, and Greenbrier's girls play six home games.

"It's fun to have a rival in town," said Courtney Hatcher, Lakeside's technical adviser. "It's a lot of fun to get to compete together."

Bailey said she hopes more schools in Columbia and Richmond counties start girls lacrosse teams.

The girls coaches from both schools agreed that positive opportunities arise from lacrosse.

"The more we play, the better they're going to be, and the better chance they have of getting a scholarship," Bailey said.

Senior Kaitlyn Leaf scored four times to lead the Panthers.

Also on Saturday, Greenbrier's varsity boys beat Lakeside 8-2 in a scrimmage game. Lakeside's junior varsity team beat Greenbrier 5-1.

Scrimmages do not count on either school's season record.