From Register Staff

The Napa Junior Lacrosse Club’s girls high school team is gearing up for its second season under head coach Mike Kiani, fielding veterans and new faces from local high schools.

Returning All-Star Lizette Jaeger, a Justin-Siena senior, leads the team offensively after a 15-goal season in 2007. Justin-Siena senior Naria Kiani and Napa High sophomore Samantha Upton will also help the team parlay the experience of last year’s one-win campaign into a Northern California Junior Lacrosse Association playoff berth.

“Last year we just wanted to not get beat up,” said Mike Kiani, adding that the team has the potential to make major strides this season. “What’s really exciting is the high school girls have a lot of athleticism. Many have played soccer in Napa for many years. That’s why we’re hoping to have a very strong team, both technically and physically, and compete with other Bay Area clubs.

“It’s such a fast and physical game, and stamina is extremely important. As far as any girls who are looking for a really fast, exciting sport with not that much or any experience, they can pick it up. It’s one of the fastest growing sports for youth. Our emphasis is on learning and having fun, but these girls are very competitive. Most of the time I have to slow them down.”

Assisting with coaching duties this year is Leeann Robustelli, a 2006 graduate of Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Md. The Pennsylvania native was a strong midfielder who captained the Mount’s Division I squad team to two NCAA Tournament appearances.

“We hope Leeann will bring a new perspective to our program,” said Bryce Whitlock, NJLC’s president and coaching director. “She certainly has the credentials we are looking for to get our girls program up to speed. We are all excited about her being part of the team.”

The club plans to use Justin-Siena’s synthetic turf field, which the school hopes to have in place by fall, as its home field in 2009, Whitlock added.

“One of the primary goals of our program is to develop high school-level boys and girls lacrosse in Napa to the extent that all three high schools will be interested in taking on their own programs,” he said. “Utilizing a venue such as the new Justin-Siena stadium will help legitimize our program and bring new interest to the game.”

With the season just around the corner, NJLC continues to recruit for the girls high school program. Mike Kiani said he currently has about 10 players but would like to have 16. Experience is not necessary and new players — from Napa as well as Upvalley — are more than welcome.

The team hopes to fill its roster by the end of the month in order to play a 12- to 14-game season with playoffs in May.

Those interested in being part of the team may call Whitlock at 259-1849 or download a registration form at www.napalacrosse.com and mail it as soon as possible.