I thoroughly enjoyed the 7v7 format at the Heatwave tournament in Flagler Beach and the tournament in general was first class thanks to LaxLife Events and sponsor STX.  It was loads of fun and I was able to see some great talent.  Below I’ve highlighted some of the players that impressed me with their play. Unfortunately, I was not able to see all the teams play, so I know I missed some other great players.  Still, congratulations to these girls for a great weekend! Here are ten players who stood out to this FLN writer in no particular order.

1. Lauren Tybor- 2016 midfielder from Bartram Trail High School

Playing for eventual champions LB3 Wave Blue, this lengthy midfielder was great at transitioning the ball up field and then controlling and setting up the offense.  While I watched her play, she scored two goals, one on the fast break and another from rolling the crease, plus she assisted her teammate with a pinpoint pass.  Lauren looked like she could take on any defender but, knowing she had a lot of talent around her, always made the decision that created the best chance for a goal.

2. Valerie Cyrkel- 2016 goalie from Oviedo High School

Personally, I always prefer an active goalie and that is exactly what made Valerie stand out.  A 7v7 format is no cakewalk for a goalie; the fast pace, fast breaks, and lack of defenders mean the goalie is often left to hang out to dry.  Valerie made all the saves you expect a goalie to make and then some.  In the short time I watched her, she caused a couple turnovers by being active and picking off passes.  She helps her defense cover the crease offensive player, making it a lot more difficult for opposing teams, and communicates as well as any goalie I’ve seen.  Plus, Valerie has the stick skills to be a very effective clearing goalie.  A high lacrosse IQ is even more important on the defensive end compared to the offensive end, and a goalie like Valerie is certainly one I would like commanding my defense.

3. Candace Von Werder- 2017 attacker from Winter Springs High School

Playing for the same team as Valerie, Southern Rage Red, Candace made quite an impact on the offensive end.  It was her hustle and hard work that made me notice her.  Even when away from the ball, Candace kept her feet moving and remained a threat.  She was a hard dodger and opened up space for her offensive teammates.

4. Frances Williams- 2016 midfielder from Gulf Breeze High School

This rising senior played a big role for LaxManiax 2016. She used her athleticism to transition the ball to offense and made smart decisions when she had possession.  While I watched, Frances put her powerful and accurate shot on display multiple times, but she still moved the ball around on offense very well.   

5. Julia Duff- 2018 midfielder/ defender from Creekside High School

Playing for LaxManiax 2018 North, Julia looked fast and dangerous.  She was a great dodger and seemed to always be in a good position to make a play.  This rising sophomore had great stick skills and her shot was great.  Her quick release and impeccable placement made her a threat whenever she had the ball.  On one play, Julia caught the ball in front of the crease and turned around to fire the ball past the goalie so fast I hardly saw what happened.

6. Hannah Carolan- 2018 midfielder from Stanton College Prep

Playing alongside Julia Duff, Hannah Carolan had some of the quickest feet I saw all weekend.  She was always a threat as a dodger and her quick hands gave her the ability to make fooling the opposition look easy.  Hannah also had a lethal shot, the nicest outside shooter I saw all weekend.  She would sling a shot from beyond the 8 meter like it was nothing, forcing the defense to play out to her and leave the inside more open.

7. Olivia Carter- 2018 attacker/midfielder from Lake Brantley High School

Olivia excelled at finishing her shots on the inside.  She utilized varying release points and changing of planes to beat the goalie.  She could beat her defender with a dodge to the goal or sneak back door and finish a feed from her teammate. When you add in the assists I saw her make, you get a pretty complete offensive player.

8. Rachel Zechman- 2018 midfielder from Winter Park High School

Rachel was an all-around solid player.  Her hustle was unmatched and she could finish on the inside or take an outside shot when she was on offense.  She moved off ball well and was a threat in transition due to her athleticism.  Plus, she was a hardworking defender that played team defense and communicated well.

9. Lauren London- 2016 Midfielder from Vero Beach High School

Playing for Stickbenders Gold and making it all the way to the championship final, Lauren stood out on an excellent team.  She was a very good dodger and was able to earn a couple free positions while I watched.  Lauren buried each opportunity she had in the back of the goal.  She led and controlled a very potent offense.  In the time I watched her, I didn’t see her make a single mistake.  She seems to be another very solid and polished Vero Beach talent.

10. Adia Best- 2017 goalie from Timber Creek High School

I only watched Adia play for a half of a game, but in that time she made four point blank saves that no goalie should have any business making.  She simply made a lot of saves when I saw her play.  She is not as a good of a clearer as the other goalie on this list, Valerie Cyrkel, but she makes up for it by making herself look big to opposing players.  When it comes to being a goalie, stopping the ball is what matters most and Adia is excellent at that. There were lots of talented players at the Heatwave tournament.  I wish I could have seen and profiled them all.  Congratulations to these ten athletes on their great play and good luck to them! Tweet at me @brosau96 if you think i missed someone (you’ll probably be right).