DeWitt lacrosse experiencing rejuvenation, led by Jillian Anderson

DeWitt senior lacrosse player Jillian Randolph

The DeWitt girls lacrosse program recorded just seven wins last season.

Th Panthers have already exceeded that total with a 9-3 start, and the play of senior midfielder Jillian Randolph is a big reason why.

Randolph, who was voted the LSJ girls athlete of the week, had a combined seven goals in DeWitt's two wins over CAAC opponents Grand Ledge and Holt.

"Our team has been able to connect a lot more than in past years," Randolph said. "We play more as a unit rather than as individual players. My teammates have done a really good job at finding me in the right spots and we mesh well together."

Randolph, who is committed to play at Hope College next season, has been playing as a midfielder for the Panthers this year — a spot she hasn't played since middle school.

But, as a four-year varsity player, she's been experiencing tons of success in her role as one of the leaders on a team blended with veteran presence and talent-laden underclassmen.

"There's so much good leadership and initiative from all of our players, and we have such a range of ages on the team, and everyone is just excited to contribute and trust each other," DeWitt coach Delaney Aungst said. "(Randolph) has been so dynamic, and she leads by example. She leads verbally both on and off the field, starting practice by getting everyone going and warmed up. I put a lot of confidence in her."

The Panthers are currently on a five-game winning streak, but with tough opponents coming up in Grand Rapids Christian and Howell, it's a good test to see where DeWitt stands just a couple of weeks before the state tournament begins.

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Contact Nathaniel Bott at nbott@lsj.com and follow him on X @Nathaniel_Bott