The Chaska Hawks girls lacrosse team started the season at 3–3 with wins over Eden Prairie, Delano-Rockford and Bloomington Jefferson. Other than a tough defeat against Maple Grove, the Hawks’ other two losses have come by just a few goals.
Chaska took on New Prague (4–1) in a conference game on April 29. The game started with a bit of a scare for the Hawks. New Prague took the opening faceoff and scored just 30 seconds into the game. They struck again at 1:11, making it 2–0 almost immediately. Chaska didn’t dwell on the scoreboard and instead got their scoring machine going. At 1:23 of the first quarter, just 12 seconds after New Prague’s second goal, freshman Claire Dittberner scored to get the Hawks on the board. Eighth grader Kenley Sandvig scored at 2:45 to tie the game and co-captain senior Evelynn Rodgers followed at 4:14 to give Chaska a 3–2 lead which they would not relinquish. Chaska went on to score five more goals in the first quarter, with freshman Clara Jochum, senior Maddie Richer, sophomore Rylee Thompson and junior Rissa Langguth all contributing. Thompson leads Chaska in goals on the season with 21.
Taking an 8–2 lead into the second quarter, the Hawks did not let up. The goalie, senior Kamryn Remick, was strong in net, making key saves throughout the night to keep New Prague at bay.
Langguth scored twice in the second quarter, while Sandvig and Rodgers each added their second goals of the game. With a 12–5 lead at halftime, assistant coaches Heidi Colford and Siri Olson encouraged the team to maintain focus and capitalize on every opportunity.
The second half was defined by strong defense as New Prague managed just two goals compared to Chaska’s seven. After New Prague’s starting goalie exited with a hand injury, their backup stepped in. Dittberner added two more goals in the third quarter to complete her hat trick, while Rodgers and eighth grader Maya Burque also scored. Chaska added three more goals in the fourth quarter to secure a 19–6 victory.
Following the game, head coach Lauren Koloski praised the team’s effort and development. She highlighted the players’ continued growth in skill and execution, saying, “Take a minute and enjoy this win, you’ve earned it. Let’s build on this and focus on our next game.”
The current Hawks varsity roster includes 17 players, eight of whom are freshmen or younger. Koloski added, “Yeah, we’re young, but we’re talented. It’s great to coach such a strong group, they learn quickly and play to their potential, which is always improving”.
Olivia White was named the team’s player of the game. The two-year varsity defender scored her first varsity goal during the contest.
“This is such a fun team to play with,” White said. “We have each other’s backs, and we learn a lot each game. As a defender, I don’t get many scoring chances, so tonight was special. The win was great. We want to finish the season strong and make it to state.”
Player statistics for the game were impressive. Nine Hawks scored and nine players recorded assists. Dittberner led the way with eight points (five goals and three assists). She leads the Hawks with 31 points (19 goals and 21 assists). Langguth had five points (three goals and two assists) and Rodgers added four points (three goals and one assist). Remick played the entire game in net, facing 20 shots and making 13 saves.
The game also served as Youth Night for the lacrosse team, featuring a spirited halftime scrimmage and a postgame autograph session. Smiles were shared equally between the players and the young athletes. Events like these are a great way for the high school teams to connect with their supporters and promote the sport they love.
The Hawks’ next home game will be May 5 at 7 p.m. against St. Louis Park. It will also be Senior/Parents Night.
