PA: Hidden Gems from the PIAA 2A Championship

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The PIAA 2A State Championship featured plenty of star power, and we previously highlighted many of the headliners from both Twin Valley and Wyomissing. If you missed those articles, be sure to check them out here:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlslacrosse.com/2026/06/twin-valley-players-to-watch-entering-piaa-state-championship/"><strong>Twin Valley Players to Watch in the PIAA State Championship<br></strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlslacrosse.com/2026/06/wyomissing-players-to-watch-in-the-piaa-state-championship/"><strong>Wyomissing Players to Watch in the PIAA State Championship</strong><br></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twin Valley's championship run was fueled by standout performances from players like [player_tooltip player_id='72933' first='Ellie' last='Kaplan'], who earned the State Championship MVP, but this roster was far deeper than just its stars. Likewise, Wyomissing's appearance on the biggest stage in Pennsylvania lacrosse showcased a talented group of underclassmen who stepped up against elite competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These players may not have grabbed all the headlines, but their impact was impossible to ignore. From defensive weapons and shutdown matchups to emerging freshmen who showed poise beyond their years, these athletes played critical roles in one of the state's premier championship games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["73851"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a3258d93a244"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stepping into the state championship with the daunting assignment of slowing down one of Pennsylvania's top Division I-bound players is no easy task, but [player_tooltip player_id='73851' first='Aaliya' last='Winwood'] embraced the challenge. The sophomore defender played a physical and disciplined game, using strong positioning, toughness, and relentless effort as she face guarded one of the state's most dangerous offensive threats.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite Wyomissing falling short, Winwood's performance stood out throughout the contest. Her defensive awareness, willingness to compete, and ability to rise to the moment against elite competition make her a player with a very bright future. Championship games often reveal a player's character, and Winwood showed she belongs on the big stage. She is a 2028 defender that any college would be lucky to have.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["73849"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a3258d93a27f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For a freshman to play with confidence in a state championship environment says a lot, and [player_tooltip player_id='73849' first='Claire' last='Hurleman'] did exactly that. The All-American midfielder was aggressive from the opening whistle, attacking opportunities and making her presence felt against some of the best competition Pennsylvania has to offer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hurleman's stick skills, shiftiness, and confidence with the ball stood out throughout the game. She never looked overwhelmed by the moment and consistently found ways to impact play. If this performance is any indication, Wyomissing has a special player to build around for years to come.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["73854"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a3258d93a2a0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='73854' first='Sienna' last='Anastasiadis'] continued to show why she has become such an important piece of Wyomissing's success. The freshman displayed outstanding composure throughout the championship matchup, making smart decisions with the ball and consistently creating opportunities for teammates. She combines strong stick work with impressive footwork, using spins and quick changes of direction to create space.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An assist-minded player who also contributes as a scorer, she played a key role in the Spartans' consecutive District 3 Class 2A championship runs. Her hustle, awareness, and ability to impact the game in multiple ways make her one of the more promising young players in the program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["73207"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a3258d93a2c2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='73207' first='Evelyn' last='Delaquito'] has her mind set on defense and has a high lacrosse IQ. She is a defender with great stick skills and does a great job deflecting passes and getting in on offensive players' sticks. She is speedy and helps in transition. Her footwork is next level, allowing her to hold her positioning on all areas of the field. In addition, she is a great feeder and finds her open teammates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["73850"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a3258d93a2e0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='73850' first='Sloane' last='Helgeson'] was another freshman who made her presence felt on the championship stage. An athletic defender with excellent speed, Helgeson consistently found herself around the ball and making plays throughout the matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whether defending in space, helping in transition, or using her quickness to recover on assignments, Helgeson showed the tools of a high-level defender. Her effort and energy never wavered, and she was one of several young Spartans whose performance did not go unnoticed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["73848"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a3258d93a2fc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='73848' first='Emily' last='Boyer'] was a steady presence for the state champions and played a major role in Twin Valley's defensive success. The sophomore consistently put herself in excellent positions, rotating quickly on slides and using her strength to force attackers into difficult situations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her effort level remained high from start to finish, and she brought a physical, reliable presence to the defensive end. A standout soccer player as well, Boyer's athleticism translates seamlessly to lacrosse, allowing her to cover ground quickly and make plays that don't always show up on the stat sheet. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->