New-look lineup gives boost to Sewickley Academy girls lacrosse

By: Ray Fisher
Sunday, April 6, 2025 | 11:01 AM

A significant lineup change on the Sewickley Academy girls lacrosse team this season already has proven beneficial.

The Panthers’ top returning players in 2025 include senior Lauren Retzlaff at attack, sophomores Emma Eannarino and Grace Jardini at midfield and senior Brooke Bussatto on defense.

“We have moved Lauren from defense to attack this year, and it has been a major positive as she has 11 goals through three games,” said Sewickley first-year coach Mike Scerbo, also the academy’s athletic director.

Retzlaff and Eannarino tallied three goals apiece March 29 to lead the Panthers to a 10-8 nonsection win against Franklin Regional at Nichols Field.

“As a senior, I’m excited to take on a new role in attack and on the draw,” Retzlaff said. “This season is especially meaningful for me, and I’m looking forward to making the most of it with my teammates, and it being the last season playing with my mom as my coach.

“We have a young and developing team this year after graduating several key seniors. Many players are stepping into bigger roles, and we’re already seeing growth. By mid to late season, I expect us to be playing at a much higher level.”

The Panthers are members of Section 2-2A this spring along with Ambridge, Aquinas Academy, Blackhawk, Chartiers Valley, Freeport, Knoch, Mars, North Catholic, Quaker Valley and South Fayette.

“This season is going to be a season of growth as we are starting five girls that have never played lacrosse,” Scerbo said. “However, if we can grow, we could find ourselves in a potential playoff race. The girls are working very hard and enjoying the journey so far.”

Retzlaff is joined at the attack position by senior Jade Rychel and junior Marin Edmunds. Retzlaff, Bussatto and Rychel are the only seniors on the squad.

“With a new coach bringing extensive knowledge and strategy, plus moving sections, we’re looking forward to new challenges and successes,” Retzlaff said. “While we’ll have wins and losses, our focus is on improving, competing and building strong team chemistry.”

Olivia Stefanik, a sophomore, is the third starting midfielder for the Panthers.

Bussatto is joined by junior Mackenzie Dice, freshman Molly Cephas and sophomore Mya Spadafore on the defensive end.

The team’s starting goalie is sophomore Sofia DiCicco, who also started as a freshman.

The sophomore class is represented by 10 players on this year’s team. Sophomore reserves are Nalani Brayley, Bella Menzock and Lucy Taylor at attack and Emelia Carrabba and Clara Lukasiak on defense.

Rounding out the squad are freshmen Harper Cross (MF), Amelia Hayden (MF), Renae Phillip-Knight (D) and Felicity Shaw (D).

“Nalani Brayley and Bella Menzock both will be contributors on attack,” Scerbo said.

“Harper Cross will see significant time at midfield. And Emelia Carrabba will come off the bench on defense filling an important role for us.”

Scerbo is assisted by Hannah Joswiak, Holly Seifert and Kim Retzlaff.

The Panthers followed up their two-goal win over Franklin Regional with a 17-6 section victory April 1 at home against North Catholic.

Retzlaff racked up seven goals in the win and was complemented by Eannarino with five and Edmunds with three.

Tags: Sewickley Academy