The Newburgh Free Academy girls’ lacrosse team broke new ground during the 2021 season when it reached the Section 9 Class A playoffs.

It ended with a loss to Kingston, but it was a step forward for a team that only had one regular season victory last year.
So, far lacrosse has been a tough nut to crack in Newburgh.

“Newburgh is an inexperienced team with new coaches who hope to bring attention to the girls’ lacrosse program as it has not traditionally been a well-known sport in the community,” second-year coach Jess Gonzalez said.

The Goldbacks lost some key players from last year’s team, including Mikayla Marrero, Megan Sweeney, Michelle Wang and Abigail Salgado.

Gonzalez said the Goldbacks have a large roster that is full of rising potential.

They’ll be led by senior midfielder Bryanna Foti. Three incoming sophomores midfielder Vivian Gage, defender Allison Woodward and defender/midfielder Katherine Bell will join the team for the first time.

It’s expected to continue to be an uphill climb for the Goldbacks this year, and they are scheduled to open the season on Friday with a home game against John S. Burke Catholic.

“Every practice and game brings its own opportunities for improvement in all aspects of the sport,” Gonzalez said. “Our overall season goal is to grow and improve as both individual athletes and as a team.”