83 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com “We have the talent to return to the state championship,” said Bitter, citing a speedy midfield, a balanced offense with multiple scoring threats and a physical defense anchored by new goalie Brook Lynn. “This group has great chemistry, works hard and is hungry to compete. We’re looking forward to a competitive season and taking on every challenge ahead.” The biggest challenge will be a March 10 road game against the same OCA team that beat them 12-8 last year in a game that featured a two-hour rain delay. Everyone’s calendars are already marked for the rematch, especially since it may prove the precursor to a repeat of last year’s state final. Bitter is looking to Noone to lead the game and the season. “She’s one of the fastest girls I’ve ever seen play lacrosse,” he said. “Her talent, leadership and clutch ability are huge for us as we look to avenge last year’s state final loss to Oceanside. She’s ready to lead this team back and get it done.” As for Noone, she and the entire team are counting down the days. “Last year’s loss to OCA is behind us,” she said. “We are excited to get back to the top.” OCEANSIDE BOYS TENNIS The only thing that is going to surprise players, coaches and fans of the Oceanside Collegiate Academy boys tennis team is if by some odd occurrence they don’t win it all … again. The Landsharks are not only fivetime defending AAA state champs, but in last season’s playoffs, they blanked the competition by a combined score of 18-0 to finish undefeated with a mark of 18-0. This year they return all but one player to a team that is looking like a preseason shoo-in for the 2026 trophy. “We feel that the chances of us repeating as state champions are pretty high,” said sixth-year head tennis coach Shawn Harris. “I want the team to be focused, compete, enjoy the process and most of all, have fun.” At the center of this focus is returning senior co-captain Luke Skillman, a three-time state champion who went undefeated in last year’s regular season and playoffs. Harris pulled no punches: “I’m expecting Luke to lead this team to another state championship,” he stated. Which is OK with Skillman, as he prepares to make it number four for him and six in a row for the Landsharks. “Our focus is on the season ahead of us and the work in front of us,” he said. “Every team we face will give us their best shot, so our job is to stay disciplined and keep pushing each other to be better than we were yesterday. If we do that consistently, we will put ourselves in the best position to remain state champions.” OCEANSIDE GIRLS LACROSSE On the other side of the lacrosse coin stands the defending AAA state champions Oceanside Collegiate Academy Lady Landsharks, who come into 2026 with one goal: to win it all again and prove that last year’s landmark victory over perennial power Bishop England marked a changing of the guard. “Repeating is always tough because every team will give us their best shot,” said fifthyear head coach Ashley McCulloch. “But we’ve built a challenging out-of-state schedule to push ourselves and prepare for the state tournament.” The anticipated key game, however, will be a March 10 home rematch with Bishop England, a team ready to reclaim its position as the state’s top program. Critical to OCA keeping their newfound ascendance will be senior midfielder captain Kaitlyn Boerst, considered by McCulloch as “the heartbeat of our team.” Already committed to Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts, for both lacrosse and ice hockey, Boerst’s dominance on the draw in last year’s state final not only played a significant role in the team’s victory, her play across all parts of the field has earned her the nickname ‘Beasty.’ “She’s a competitor who thrives in big moments and is a force to be reckoned with,” McCulloch said. “We’re carrying the energy and momentum from last year, growing stronger and closer as a team,” said Boerst, “and ready to chase another state title.” our sports OCA senior Luke Skillman looking to make it championship No. 6 for the Landsharks. OCA midfielder Kaitlyn Boerst looking every inch ready for a repeat.
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