Scott Kaniewski

The Heritage-Littleton girls lacrosse team reached the quarterfinals last season and were league champs and state finalists two seasons ago.

This year, the Gryphons have started out in the opposite direction. Four injuries to four starters have sent the Gryphons reeling. Anna Salemo, Hannah Annalora, Cait Clark and Akane Strader all suffered injuries that severely limited their playing time.

“It has been a rough start to the season,” H-L coach Nicole Kucharski said on April 15. “We had four serious injuries in the first three games.”

A separated shoulder, a concussion, an ACL injury and a deep knee bruise sent the Gryphons scouring the junior varsity ranks.

“We’ve been playing a lot of JV folks,” Kucharski said. “Everyone is coming back in the next couple games. Throughout the season, we’ve kind of had hope that once these players return we’ll be at full strength.”

While losing their first five, Kucharski has watched players take on roles they normally wouldn’t and seen others get more playing time than normal.

“That has been the fun part, other stars have come out,” Kucharski said. “Ellen Brown has been one of our top scorers. (Some are) playing different positions, and it’s been good for the team and the individuals.”

She also pointed to Maddie Hosack as a player who has filled in well. Since returning, Strader has been the team’s leading scorer.

As H-L nears full strength, and mixes Regis transfer Kathryn Dunn into the fold, the Gryphons were showing flashes of the team that’s been deep in the postseason the last couple years, scoring 33 goals in a 16-1 drubbing of Valor Christian and a 17-3 win over Douglas County, to remain unbeaten in league.

“We’re really focusing now,” Kucharski said. “Because of our record, we’re focusing on winning our league and those games. As playoffs get closer this is just the beginning of our season.”