DOWNEY - The Downey High School girls' lacrosse team has gotten off to a 0-5 start. The Lady Vikings finished last season with an overall record of 3-9 and tied for fourth place in the competitive Bay League.The Lady Vikings have played Palos Verdes, Mira Costa, Peninsula, Redondo Union and Beverly Hills High Schools. The Lady Vikings have a game against Culver City before playing each league competitor a second time. Downey is led by senior captains Liz Buck, Adriana Mendoza and Carmen Periban. Some key losses from last year to graduation include Marisah Ridgway, Selena Gomez and Hibris Salas. The biggest surprise this season has been Andrea Barerra. She is a first year player and varsity starter. Barerra is only a sophomore and her future is bright. The most improved player from last year has been senior captain Liz Buck. Unfortunately, Liz suffered an injury in the first game against Palos Verdes and has been unable to play the last four games. Coach Matas sees Redondo Union, Palos Verdes and Mira Costa as Downey's toughest competition. Downey High girls' lacrosse is currently in its fourth season of competition in the Bay League. Though the Lady Vikings have yet to win a game this season, they continue to work and practice hard. The varsity team is made up of primarily seniors while the 1-4 junior varsity team is made up of mainly first year players who are new to the sport and certainly represent the future of the sport at Downey High. According to junior varsity head coach Kelly Stratford, "since beginning four years ago, the girls' lacrosse program is very proud of its progress. The program attracts many first time athletes to try out for a sport and learn what it takes to be part of a team." Coach Stratford continued by saying, "the program hopes to continue to grow and develop throughout the season and for many seasons to come."

********** Published: April 5, 2012 - Volume 10 - Issue 51