MONROE, Conn. — Two years removed from a Class L state title, the Masuk High girls lacrosse team is looking to get back to the top. The Panthers have a solid group of returning athletes, led by a core of seniors, and can be expected to be in the mix both in the state and South-West Conference.
“Expectations are high with this group,” said Coach Rob Troesser, who has talent and experience at positions throughout the playing field.
Senior captains are Charlotte Pinto on attack, Maddie Farrer in goal and Milly Kinahan and Emma Troesser in the midfield. Other seniors back in the mix who are key contributors include Bailey Bajda in the midfield and Mary-Kate Boyle and Abby Troesser on D.
Last year the team had its sights on a repeat state triumph and redemption after being upset in the SWC title game in 2024. The Panthers lost to Newtown in the 2025 SWC semis, avenged that setback in the Class L state quarterfinals, but lost to top seed Simsbury in the semis.
“I don’t think I stopped thinking about it since last year. It’s been on the back burner all winter,” said Troesser, whose team defeated Simsbury for the 2024 crown.
The coach noted that given the Panthers needed some lesser-experienced players to step up following graduation of six team members from the previous campaign, 2025 was a successful season overall, though it was still disappointing for a program that has had a taste of success and plenty of skill in the fold.
“There’s definitely that desire and drive to make up for last year,” said Troesser, whose lineup does have some voids to be filled following 2025 graduation, but features a wealth of returning experience and veteran leadership.
The Panthers certainly will challenge themselves in the regular slate in an effort to prepare for playoff battles. Among the schedule highlights is a Saturday, April 25, home date with Simsbury at 12 p.m. The team also visits Ridgefield and Staples of Westport, and hosts Fairfield Ludlowe (all tough FCIAC programs).
Masuk and Staples have meet three years in a row and, while Staples has come out on top each time, Masuk has been outscored by a grand total of four goals in those matchups. Talk about close. So the incentive is there for the Panthers to get over the hump against those familiar nonconference foes when they play Saturday, May 9, at 12 p.m.
Two-time SWC champ New Fairfield, which has been to the conference title game four years in a row, is perhaps the biggest nemesis on the conference schedule. Masuk will host New Fairfield Tuesday, April 14, at 7.
First things first, the season opens Tuesday, April 7, when the Panthers visit New Milford at 5:30. Then comes another road test Thursday at Weston, also at 5:30. This will be followed by a highly-anticipated matchup with New Fairfield.
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