If success breeds success, then the Thornton Academy girls’ lacrosse team is hoping the future looks bright.

Some 70 players came out for lacrosse this spring, allowing the Trojans to field three teams for the first time: varsity, junior varsity and freshman.

The Trojans’ varsity reached the Western Class A semifinals last spring, losing to Gorham. That followed a breakout season in 2009, when they made it to the regional final.

“We’ve had the luxury of being successful. And when you’re successful you’ll bring in kids,” said Coach Craig Agreste.

“Our track program has always been in contention for a state title. Softball is always very competitive. We had over 70 kids who signed up. So there’s something to be said, when you’re successful.”

Agreste’s team opened its season Monday night against Kennebunk — one of the Class A favorites this season.

“Our toughest test is going to be replacing some of those valuable seniors we had from last year,” said Agreste.

His team is led by seniors Jackie Costello, a midfielder, and attack Erin Kany, who has a powerful shot.

“Jackie is kind of a kid who does it all for us, does all the little stuff,” said Agreste. “And Erin was our leading scorer with 36 goals.”

Kany had two goals Monday in the Trojans’ opening 8-5 loss to Kennebunk.

Agreste sees the usual suspects, Scarborough and Kennebunk, as top contenders. But with a dangerous Gorham team and an improved program in Portland in the mix along with his own team, he’s eager to see how things will shake out.

“It used to be just Scarborough and Kennebunk and everyone else was seeing who could come in third,” he said. “The gap is closing.”

 

CHEVERUS BOYS’ BASKETBALL standout Cam Olson is trying his hand as a lacrosse convert this spring.

Olsen plays midfield for the Stags and is adjusting well.

“His instincts on both sides of the ball are excellent,” said Coach Deke Andrew. “He brings a strong physical presence as well.”

Andrew said he finds that basketball players love the chance to be more physical on the field than they can be on the court.

“It is great way for them to stay active and maintain their timing in the springtime,” said Andrew. “With Cam’s success, I expect to see more basketball athletes crossing over.”

 

GAMES TO SEE: Sure, it’s still early in the season, but here are a few games worth catching this week.

The rivalry between the girls’ teams from Yarmouth and North Yarmouth Academy should be enough, but these teams are also perennial contenders in Eastern Class B, having met for the regional title every year since lacrosse was split into two classes in 2006. They play at 4 p.m. today at NYA.

On the boys’ side, Waynflete is at Falmouth at 5 p.m. Wednesday. Both are expected to be among the best in Western ‘B.’

 

Staff Writer Jenn Menendez can be contacted at 791-6426 or at: jmenendez@pressherald.com