In terms of growth, numerous victories were achieved by the Riverside Brookfield High School girls lacrosse team last season.
Senior and 2025 all-sectional midfielder Tali Schultz thinks that should translate to more success on the field.
“This team has a lot of potential and we plan to continue to improve and build the program,” Schultz said.
“Last season, I think we all left really excited for the future after seeing how much we could improve over a season. Having so many younger players will hopefully set the team up for success in the future.”
Tri-captains Schultz, senior Maggie Porter and junior Maddie Myslinski lead several key returnees that will combine once again with a relatively young group that includes 11 freshmen, many first-time players.
The Bulldogs were 2-14 in head coach Elise Husemann’s first season, beating Plainfield co-op 11-10 and Streamwood 6-3. They lost to Jones 14-4 in their sectional opener.
“This region is tough for a developing program, going against some very well established and talented programs, but our athletes were able to handle that pressure and competition gracefully,” said Husemann, who played at Lyons Township. “I’m so proud of the progress I saw last year and am excited to see where this current team can go.”
The Bulldogs are 0-3, losing to Glenbard West 19-2 March 18, Resurrection 12-5 March 19 and St. Laurence 13-4 March 24.
Riverside-Brookfield’s Cora Rosenfeld (21) chases down the ball during a nonconference game against St. Laurence Tuesday, March 24, 2026 in Brookfield, IL. (Steve Johnston/Riverside-Brookfield Landmark) 
St. Laurence’s Maya Scumaci (20) and Riverside-Brookfield’s Maggie Porter (18) try to gain control of the ball during a nonconference game Tuesday, March 24, 2026 in Brookfield, IL. (Steve Johnston/Riverside-Brookfield Landmark) 
Riverside-Brookfield’s Harper Jesswein (43) makes a save against St. Laurence during a nonconference game Tuesday, March 24, 2026 in Brookfield, IL. (Steve Johnston/Riverside-Brookfield Landmark) 
Riverside-Brookfield’s Madison Myslinski (19) splits through the St. Laurence defenders during a nonconference game Tuesday, March 24, 2026 in Brookfield, IL. (Steve Johnston/Riverside-Brookfield Landmark)
Schultz (4 goals), sophomore returnees Mia Wichmanowski (3 goals) and Cora Rosenfeld (2 goals, assist) and sophomore Allie Ferguson and Porter (1 goal each) have accounted for the scoring. Sophomore goalie Harper Jesswein has 43 saves.
“I think we have a lot of teamwork and drive to improve. At practice, newer players are good about asking questions to improve their understanding of the game and their skills,” said Schultz, a four-year team member. “I plan to continue leading by example during practice and working on my own skills, hopefully showing newer players what is possible.”
Most of last season’s 50 goals came from Schultz (team-high 23 goals, 2 assists, 26 draw controls) and Wichmanowski (13 goals, 11 ground balls). Porter (3 goals, second with 15 ground balls, team-high 37 draw controls), Rosenfeld, Myslinski and Ferguson, who played some goalie, also were statistical leaders.
“Our captains are strong leaders and hard workers, setting the precedent for the work that needs to be done at practice and during games,” Husemann said.
“I’m excited to see what some of our more experienced players can achieve this season. Cora Rosenfeld and Mia Wichmanowski have both put in a lot of work in the offseason. As our newer players start to find their place on the field and identify their strengths, this team will need to remain flexible and support their teammates.”
LTHS girls lacrosse
Senior Lauren Zulanas and her Lyons Township girls lacrosse teammates once again are starting strong.
The Lions have the resolve to continue the same way.
They’re 3-2 and have won their last two, beating Oak Park and River Forest High School 9-8 Saturday in their West Suburban Conference Silver Division opener and Wheaton co-op 10-6 Thursday.
“One of the main success we had as a team last year was just always picking people up and I want to carry that throughout this season,” said Zulanas, a tri-captain with juniors Peyton Johnson and Amelia Chomiak. “One thing that I want to improve is to be more positive when the score is not looking like the outcome we want.”
Last year, the Lions finished 9-12 and 0-5 in the WSC Silver. They lost to Marist 14-7 in the sectional semifinals.
The Lions started 2025 at 7-1 but then lost 10 straight, three by one or two goals. This season began by losing to Benet 12-7 March 19, beating Montini 12-7 March 24 and losing to Conant 8-5 April 8.
“After a strong start last season that was followed up with some challenges, our goal is to grow consistency throughout the season,” LTHS coach Morgan Gallagher said.
“Our team this season is very connected off the field with many athletes playing with each other in various sports or club teams. We are hoping to see the sense of connection on the field as well.”
Entering her third varsity season, midfielder Johnson was among the Lions’ top 2025 players with 36 goals, six assists, 39 ground balls and 83 draw controls in 103 attempts. LTHS graduated all three all-sectional and All-WSC Silver players.
Other players to watch include seniors Betty Johnston and Laken Wolf, junior Amelia Ludden, sophomores Aine Charlton, Chloe DeNaut and Halle Sommerfield and freshmen Mollie Dwyer, Ava Mulder and Aoife Roth.
“I believe one of our team strengths is our trust in each other on and off the field. Last season’s experience carried over for the team by setting a higher standard. We know now what we are capable of and are implementing what we need to improve on into our practices,” Johnson said.
“I hope to improve individually by pushing myself during practice, especially during conditioning, so that I can be consistent on the field. As a captain, I want to bring energy and be someone who my team can rely on during high-pressure moments.”
The Lions took command at OPRF, building a 9-5 lead with 11:14 remaining with help from three goals by Mulder. Johnson blitzed Wheaton co-op with six goals.
“I think a team goal is to learn how to adapt to everybody’s potential because we are building such a new team,” Zulanas said. “Something that will make our season successful is to hold each other accountable and to have respect for each and every person on and off the field.”