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Ending on a high note
April 02, 2012
Senior Alycia Britton hopes lacrosse progam continues to excel after her graduation
By Joshua Reid / Sports Editor
Growing up in New Jersey, senior Alycia Britton kept busy by picking up the sport of lacrosse.
When she came to Palm Beach Atlantic University she wanted to help create a team where other lacrosse players could share their love for the game.
"I started playing lacrosse eight years ago during my freshman year in high school," Britton said.
"When I came to PBA my freshman year I went to the Greene Complex the very first day of school to start a team up," Britton said.
Three years later, the program is at its highest level yet.
"It's been a lot of progressive growth," Britton said. "After getting the team started and a coach my freshman year, sophomore year we were able to play a few games here and there, but only against high school teams."
"It wasn't until my junior year where the team joined the South Women's Lacrosse League," Britton said.
Although the team has played against top Division 1 programs such as Florida Atlantic, Miami, USF, and Stetson University, most of the students at PBA do not know such a team exist.
That's something Britton hopes will change for good once she graduates.
"Each year the bar has been raised higher and higher as far as growth wise, dedication level, and interest from other students," Britton said. "My goal before I leave is to just help this program continue to develop."
"A lot of players are returning next season and they will have leadership roles within the team. I'll still be helping out with the team coaching wise next season as well," Britton said.
According to Britton and fellow senior Katie Butler, this season has been by far the most successful in the program's young history.
"Our highlight this season was beating FAU 14-10 and didn't use any subs, as it was the first time we've ever beaten them and they're our biggest rival," Butler said.
"The team has been absolutely amazing, as it is about half freshman and a handful of the girls never picked up a lacrosse stick before," Butler said.
"This season has been really great as far as traveling and having home games to get school spirit and to be more recognized with other schools as well," Britton said.
The Sailfish closed the season this past weekend with a tournament where they played Florida Gulf Coast University, FAU, and the University of Miami. Their record was 2-2 going into the tournament.
"The phrase 'there is no I in team' is definitely evident with the girls," Butler said. "Even if our girls have the perfect shot to score, she'll pass to someone and give them the opportunity to score."
"I have been so blessed to be a part of the team, as they have become my family down here," Butler said.
"We want to be a light to the teams that we play against and for our school to respect us as a team," Britton said. "God's hand has certainly been a huge part of the growth and blessings that our team has experienced. PBA women's lacrosse is here and the only way to go is up."