RCDS Girls’ Lacrosse
Winning Tradition Never Graduates

It’s a cliché that has been uttered countless times in the wide world of sports: “We want to take it one game at time.” So, why is it that when the defending State Champion Wildcats talk of “winning every single game” and “dominating each possession”, one can’t help but believe they’re being 100 percent honest as opposed to going through the media motions?
Perhaps it’s just the way athletes are programmed at Rye Country Day. Champions cycle out, and new champions cycle in. Senior captains Liz Garry and Maddy Moelis lost many of their starting championship teammates to graduation last year, but a new crop of Wildcats have stepped right in without even a hiccup. Christina McClintock is one of those players that have battled with Rye Country Day to a 7-3 record. The senior ranks second on the team in points with 47 on 33 goals and 14 assists, and, according to head coach Georgette Summers, is looking to play at Harvard next year.
“I think it's different in that last year I knew my role on the team had nothing to do with scoring,” said McClintock. “Now, scoring is one of my primary responsibilities. I just have different responsibilities because it is a different year and a different group of talented players.”
While McClintock and a host of teammates have filled the void left by graduating seniors, Garry and Moelis are referred to as the respective “heart and soul” and “backbone” of the Wildcats by their teammates. Garry leads all scorers with 49 points on 40 goals and nine assists. Moelis is Rye Country Day’s rock in goal, allowing just 9.1 goals per game.
“Liz raises her teammates level of play,” said Summers. “I am impressed with how she's adapted to the new offensive players that have replaced our seniors from last year. Maddy sees everything that happens on the field. She does a wonderful job of voicing her observations and encouraging the defense to make the necessary changes. She puts an incredible amount of pressure on herself, but always makes us proud.”
The two captains are part of a senior class of seven girls that have grown up with each other playing sports at the school. Along with McClintock, the veterans include Annie Thomas, Brooke Camps, Alexandra Boillot, and Jess Ostrau.
Thomas and Boillot’s names will never appear in the box score, and they certainly never get the glory of a game-winning goal, but their strong play on defense is invaluable to the Wildcats. “They're both great defenders who see the field and make very good decisions,” said McClintock. “They are great leaders who are patient, steady, and skilled. They do so much for the team.” Summers also had high praise for the unsung heroes of Rye Country Day. “Boillot is the true anchor of our team, in every sense of the word,” said the coach. “She plays point and is our last line of defense before Maddy. She grounds the girls, keeps them focused, and is always so positive.”
The Wildcats have already tasted success this season, but Summers feels they are still a young team with room to grow. Juniors like Becca Diefenbach have impressed the coaching staff with strong play in the midfield. The speedster is already making an impact, along with junior teammates Jessie DiChiacchio, Jena Goettisheim, Regan Lengsfield, and Heidi Alpert. “Becca and Jessie are two of the fastest girls I know,” said McClintock. “Becca is developing into an offensive force and Jessie is a scrappy defensive midfielder. Jena and Reagan are two of our leaders in terms of setting up and running the offense. Heidi is a hard worker with a great attitude.”
With the regular season winding down, the Wildcats have circled a game on their schedule at Hackley, May 13. “Playing Hackley always feels more like a championship game,” said Summers. “The coaches have mutual respect for each other and their program and the girls always love the competition.”
Rye Country Day won’t have to wait long for true championship competition, as the New York State Association of Independent Schools Tournament begins just five days later, Sunday, May 18. “Our goal is to be seeded in the top four of the NYSAIS Tournament so we can host it at home,” said Summers. “Our ultimate goal is to play in the championship game, defend our title, and become back-to-back NYSAIS champions.”

If the Wildcats do indeed win a second straight NYSAIS championship, all that talk of “dominating each possession of every game” won’t sound so cliché after all.