Barron Collier Ends MIA Girls' Season in District Playoffs

Hosting Barron Collier in a district tournament game was probably not on coach Kyle Ginther’s radar for his second-year Marco Island Academy lacrosse program. But there they were Thursday night, his fledgling team, a four seed, fighting gamely against experienced Barron Collier, seeded fifth. In what might be seen as a seeding quirk, the spirited Rays ultimately bowed to the Cougars, 18-6. 

“Even though we were the higher seed,” Ginther said, "we know Barron Collier has an established varsity and junior varsity program. We knew it was going to be tough. But I'm just so glad that the girls didn't give up. I mean, the first quarter was a little rough, and we could have put our heads down, but we beat them in the second quarter, 4 to 1. I couldn't be more proud of the girls. It was a lot of fun.”

Ginther is building a disciplined, competitive program. And judging by the loud whoop that went up on their sideline shortly after the game - and their season - ended, Ginther’s players are enjoying the fight as much as their coach is.

“We started the program last year,” Ginther said, "and that's what's so special. Losing this group of seniors is going to be tough because they really did help build the program. Going from one win last year to hosting districts. Even though it didn't go the way we wanted, it's still awesome to have a school like Barron Collier travel to us. It's super cool. Our final record is 5-3, so we still got the winning season and everything.”

Ginther sees a bright future for his lacrosse program despite losing a solid group of seniors. The Rays say goodbye to seniors Alyssa Polanco, Noa Battle, Janie Cartwright, Lucy McFarland, Brianna McGowen, Cassie Letendre, Michelle Acosta, Jessica Vorderstrasse, Mary Montgomery, and Helen Totten.

"Next year, there’s going to be a lot of new faces,” he said, "but I think that's good. We do lose a lot of the seniors, which is tough from a leadership standpoint and from a playing standpoint. But I know these girls, they're super hungry, and they want to get better. So I have a feeling we'll be pretty good next year."

Ginther, who is new to lacrosse, looks to grow as a coach, too. He was a standout football player for some of the Rays’ better football teams before becoming a teacher and coach at his alma mater.

"I'm trying,” he said with a smile. "You know, I pick up a little bit every day. My assistant coach, Wendy Daniels, really helps me. She's the best. The girls love her. She is like that steady rock. Whenever I don't know what to do, I know I can just lean on her. She's been an amazing addition. We wouldn't have gotten anywhere close to where we are without her, for sure.”

Barron Collier (9-6) advances to play top seed Community School in the district semi-finals.