It is a long road to the top of the MIAA. St. Mary's Lynn knows that well.
Falling short to Shrewsbury in the MIAA Division 1 final last season, the Spartans know the difficulty of just getting to the title game, let alone winning it. Finishing their season 25-3, the Spartans were a dominant force all season.
And head coach Frank Pagliuca understands the road back will not be easy. However, the way the Spartans have gone through the 2023-24 season has Pagliuca optimistic. They sit 16-1-1 atop the MIAA's Division 1 power rankings as of Feb. 16.
"We're off to a good start. We've done a nice job working together at this point," Pagliuca said. "The kids’ attitudes have been great. Their work ethic has been very good, and we're finding success by keeping things simple right now."
While dwelling on the past might be easy, Pagliuca sees this season as a fresh start for the program. The team lost 13 players — nine seniors and four transfers, including current Assumption forward Jenna Chaplain (Peabody, Mass), who finished her high school career with 235 points. There are new and familiar faces filling important roles on the team this season.
On the first line, there’s freshman Bella Freitas (Everett, Mass.), who has had a strong start. Meanwhile, eighth-grade defender Vanessa Hall (Saugus, Mass.) is building off an impressive seventh-grade year.
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“There was a great group last year. It was exciting to have the opportunity to play for a state championship, but this is a new year,” Pagliuca said. “Our roster completely turned over. It’s exciting in that aspect, building from the ground up. It’s a different year, a different chapter. For the most part, it’s a totally different team. A totally different experience.”
Pagliuca believes, as the adage goes, that the best offense is a good defense. Led by a dependable goalie tandem in Gianna Tringale (Danvers, Mass.) and Megan Donato (Stoneham, Mass.), along with defenders Kasey Litwin (Swampscott, Mass.) and Regan Sullivan (Melrose, Mass.), St. Mary’s prides itself on its ability to control the puck and avoid falling behind in games.
“For the most part, we did have a solid core coming back that has had a lot of experience, especially defensively,” he said. “We returned four of our six defensemen from last year. That’s been a huge addition. We have three seniors on the team. They’ve all done a great job in their leadership positions ... understanding those things and being an open ear for any of the new players coming in that are asking questions."
After losing Angelina Catino (East Boston, Mass.) to graduation, the team’s starting goalie job has been up for grabs between Tringale and Donato.
“They're both pushing each other, and it's been a healthy competition,” Pagliuca said.“They’ve both really stood out so far this year and been consistent in the goal. That's been a big help up front from a defensive standpoint."
Helping keep pucks from getting to Tringale or Donato are the Spartans' two senior captains. Litwin and Sullivan have helped control the point and led by example all season long. Their success this season likely stems from their roles in their battle-tested 2022-23 campaign.
"They played on special teams last year," Pagliuca said. "They've been through the rigors. They've been battle-tested, been tournament-tested. They have that experience, and I think really helped settle down the inexperience. It's a lot of transition. They've been tremendous back there. They're really the strength of our team. As a core unit, I think one of the top units in the state.”
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But with the end of the regular season still ahead before the tournament, Pagliuca and the Spartans look to build on their defensive identity. Facing a gauntlet of a schedule and the typical ups and downs of a lengthy season, Pagliuca knows that success on the ice in-game starts with practice and managing the emotional miles of the season.
"I think the biggest thing is for them to feel comfortable and to create a competitive environment of practice. But it's a healthy environment," he said. "One thing we've been stressing is, 'Don't be afraid out there.' Confidence can go a long way in easing a player into their responsibilities. You set the buy-in. Specifically, what's expected out of you and playing to your strengths. Those are two things we're really focused on this year, especially with a lot of new players and a lot of fresh faces in the program."
What Pagliuca is most looking forward to is growth. With tough matchups, zeroing in on the little things should go a long way to getting the Spartans through the tournament come March.
"I think we have a lot of room for improvement," he said. "I think it's about being more consistent in certain areas of our game and applying those concepts, whether it be coverages, forechecks or special teams, focusing on those things moving into the new year."
