One of the most anticipated events of the spring is the beginning of the Baldwinsville girls’ lacrosse season. The Bees opened the year March 27 against Saratoga Springs with hopes of continuing the success they have enjoyed in past years. The program has accumulated 260 wins along with regular top three finishes in their division since starting varsity play in 1990. Baldwinsville also won the New York State championship in 2000.
Bringing in a core group of hard working players every season has allowed the Baldwinsville girl's lacrosse team to maintain a high level of play and winning tradition. Yet there is more to the team’s achievements than some impressive statistics. Coach Doug Rowe attributes much of the team's success to support from the Baldwinsville area.
“There is such a strong sense of community here, it's incredible. Countless alumni and parents always give back so much, it's amazing,” Rowe said. In recent years, the team has enjoyed an exceptional winning streak, winning at least 12 games a season in the past seven out of eight seasons. In fact, Baldwinsville has only finished out of the top 3 in their division once, in 2006. This season they expect nothing less. The Bees will continue to strive for their first state title in nearly a decade and as Rowe proclaimed, “we have no excuses as far as our players.”
Rowe has been in charge since 1991 and is largely responsible for the team's success. Under him the Bees have won 249 games. He still feels that he is in great shape and sees no reason why he can’t coach for at least another decade. Rowe admits that on occasion he considers changing his coaching style and softening up a bit, but with all those wins it seems like he knows what he is doing.
It should come as no surprise that the players in such a successful program are routinely offered scholarships at major four-year lacrosse schools. This year is no different, as schools such as Richmond, Colgate, and Gennesseo have come calling. One of the most valuable players on the team, Quincy Spagnoletti, has committed to play Division 1 at Colgate in the fall. Spagnoletti had a super star season in 2008 with 43 goals and seven assists. A repeat of those performances this year will do nothing but aid the Bees’ title aspirations.
The start of this season could prove to be the most crucial as they follow Saratoga Springs with F-M, C-NS, Liverpool and West Genny. Rowe expressed much concern with the first five games, saying that winning or losing all of them was very possible. “It could easily go either way,” he said. After the beginning slate of tough games, however, Row expects the team to do well.
