The stadium lights were lit on May 7 as the Jefferson girls lacrosse team took the field for Senior Night. For seniors Lakshitha Balachanadar, an attacker, and Courtenay Klein, a midfielder, the match against Annandale High School represented more than just another game on the schedule, it was a component of the final chapter of a four-year journey. The night served as a celebration of the athletic evolution for the seniors, highlighting the growth of a team that has transitioned from a period of struggle into a competitive force within the district.
The Colonials secured a win to cap off the festivities, a result that is rooted from a season-long focus on offensive chemistry and aggressive possession. In the opening minutes, the team’s energy was on display as the roster worked to maintain a fast pace and keep the ball moving through the midfield. This momentum helped the Colonials establish an early lead and dictate the tempo of the game.
“Freshman year, I wasn’t able to be as close [with the team] just because I was shy,” Balachandar said. “After playing four years with the same people–seeing the same people every day for two hours–thats a different kind of bond that you’re able to form. You won’t get that through other things.”
That energy translated into a dominant performance on the draw. Controlling the start of each play is a technical necessity in lacrosse, and the seniors have developed a specific shorthand to ensure the ball stays in Jefferson’s possession. The success of the play relies on subtle communication between the midfielders and attackers–specifically on cuts, where a player makes a sudden, high-speed spring toward the goal or into open space to lose a defender and receive a pass.
“We’ve got really good at cuts,” Klein said. “Our team has a much better bond and dynamic than a lot of other teams we’ve played. Other people pull each other out on the field and we’re just like, ‘Hey, Sam, you need to move a little to the left?’ while [other teams] are out there yelling at each other.”
As the game progressed, the veteran leadership became the focal point. The seniors have spent the season adapting to new team dynamics, particularly as the power balance in the district has shifted. Teams that were once considered intimidating are now viewed as winnable matchups, requiring a mental shift from the team. This transition from shy underclassmen to vocal leaders has allowed the seniors to bridge the gap between the coaching staff and the younger players.
“I’ve actually become [the freshmen’s] driver to team dinner,” Balachandar said. “Through that, we’ve become really close. I want to know them really well through the field, especially one of them, she plays the same position as me and on the same side of the field.”
This sense of community is a direct reflection of the philosophy upheld by head coach Kelli Derkits-Serpi. Throughout the season, Kelli’s focus has remained on building confidence and maintaining a positive outlook even when the scoreboard is unfavorable. This support system from the sideline has helped the players avoid the mental stress that comes with high-stakes games.
“She’s always the first person who’s ready to go to the refs and stand up for us,” Balachandar said. “She might get mad in the middle of the game when we’re down a lot, but at the beginning she always starts with, ‘Guys, this is a very winnable game. I know you’re the better team.'”
Beyond the wins and losses, the seniors are preparing to leave behind a culture rooted in resilience. This year’s class has emphasized the importance of leaving mistakes on the field, a lesson they believe will serve them well beyond their time at Jefferson.
“It’s okay to have bad days. It’s okay to have bad games,” Balachandar said. “Leave everything on the field. In college, too, if you have a bad experience, like a bad test, leave it in the classroom. Don’t carry everything out and not hold everything against yourself.”
As the stadium lights dimmer, the seniors took a moment to look back on their four years on the team, reflecting on how the traditions they looked up to as freshmen have now become their own.
“Focus on the bonds you form with people as much as you do on the sport,” Klein said. “It’ll help you on and off the field too. You’ll know someone, you can know their play, people and players.”