Welcoming back the 4A Mountain West League girls lacrosse spring season, a handful of Palisade students participate in a combined Grand Junction High School, Central High School, and Palisade High School team of 35. Tryouts started on Monday, February 23rd, with one day of tryouts, then jumping straight into practice at Central High School’s front football field to be ready for the first two games, two weeks away on March 6th against Pine Creek High School in Colorado Springs, CO and March 7th against Cheyenne Mountain High School in Castle Rock, CO. When asked what the biggest difference in the team compared to last year is, as senior Zoanne Smith mentions, “ I think this year, we immediately came up with a lot more passion than we did last year. The last game of our season was our first league game. Everyone was crushed when we lost by one point, and we felt devastated for the seniors. I think everybody this year, especially with there being fourteen seniors this year, everybody really wants it badly for the seniors and even for themselves in the future.” Reflecting on how last season’s heartbreaking one-point loss has become a driving force behind this year’s team compared to previous ones, and Smith’s response reveals that the team’s fuel is not only renewed passion but also a collective determination to honor a large senior class of 2026. They all share the positivity and commitment to finish stronger and deliver the season they believe the seniors deserve.
The team is set with a support system and leaders ready to take them through the season with committed coaching staff members, head Coaches Nicole Pistono and Mike Campbell, followed by assistant Goalie coach Kylynn Tanner. Practicing at Central High School’s front field every weekday, girls show up and support each other with such pride. The girls lacrosse team is a family and the value that they have so deeply this year isn’t really for them. Wishing the Tigers a great season ahead.
