The Maryland Charm secured a shocking Championship title in the inaugural Women's Lacrosse League (WLL) season, defeating the California Palms 16-13 in Philadelphia on Saturday.
The Charm's victory was a remarkable turnaround for a team that was knocked out of the Championship Series in February and was initially questioned by many as they entered the new season. However, the team's worth was never in doubt within their own locker room.
"We doubted Maryland," said a Power Rankings article. "Combining their struggles to win at the Championship Series and many of their newly drafted players missing from training camp in April, our Power Rankings continued to list the Charm fourth of four teams leading into the start of the season."
Despite the initial skepticism, the Charm's star midfielder Ally Kennedy and lead goalkeeper Caylee Waters remained confident in their team's abilities. "Maryland Charm will be back," Waters said at a post-Championship Series press conference. "We are gonna frickin' win. I have no doubt. I know what this team is capable of."
Kennedy echoed Waters' sentiments, stating that "this [Maryland] team was built for the field game" as opposed to the Sixes discipline played in the Championship Series. Her statement was confirmed in Saturday's Championship postgame interview with Dana Boyle, with Kennedy noting that she "just had a feeling and [she's] glad [she] was right."
The Charm's championship-level team thrived in the 10-v-10 format, with a strong lineup that included Sam Apuzzo, Sydni Black, Ashley Humphrey, and Cassidy Spilis. Black was a standout performer on Saturday, earning Championship MVP honors with her impressive play.
Veteran leadership played a key role in the Charm's success, with Caylee Waters, Alex Holman, and Megan Douty-Marino bringing a unique wisdom and perspective to the team. Waters, who graduated from North Carolina in 2017, brought an energy that united the team, while Holman and Douty-Marino, who graduated from the University of Maryland in 2013 and 2015, respectively, provided a level-headed composure that helped the team navigate challenging situations.
Head coach Emily Parros, who played on the USA national team and in other professional leagues, was instrumental in bringing out the best in each of her players. Her connection to her players and emphasis on a team-first mentality helped the Charm stay grounded and focused throughout the season.
The Charm's pregame speech ahead of their season-opening overtime win over the Palms at Loyola in May was one of the most inspiring of the season, motivating the team to "think about [their] 10-year-old selves" and embrace the opportunity to play in a professional atmosphere. The team's buy-in to Parros' message was evident in their play, as they celebrated the little things within the big moments and never gave up on a challenge.
The Maryland Charm are the inaugural winners of the WLL Championship trophy, and their victory is a testament to the team's hard work and dedication. As they celebrate their championship title, the Charm will look to build on their success in the upcoming season.
Source: Yahoo Sports