Ralston Valley girls lacrosse resurgence continues

LAKEWOOD — Liv Troy has provided a boost to Ralston Valley’s girls lacrosse program.

The former attacker on University of Connecticut women’s lacrosse team from 2017 to 2021 was hired as the Mustangs’ head coach just before the start of this season. 

“Coming into this season I had the expectation that we were going to win everything. I said that from the beginning,” Troy said after the Mustangs’ 17-10 victory against Chatfield on Thursday night at Trailblazer Stadium. “I said we were going to have a perfect season until you guys provide me wrong.”

Thursday’s win edged Ralston Valley (7-3, 1-1 in Class 5A West League) a step closer to the program’s first winning season since 2016. The Mustangs went 12-4 nearly a decade and were a perfect 7-0 in conference play to claim the lone Jeffco League title for the program. 

“It is more competitive and little more hardcore,” Ralston Valley junior Barrett Walker said of the feel of the team since Troy took over. “It feels good for everyone.”

After early season losses to Denver East and defending 4A state champion Evergreen, the Mustangs have won six of their last seven games. Only blemish during Ralston Valley’s current streak was a conference opening loss to Fairview (7-3, 1-1) last week.

“We have a really great group of girls that are highly motivated, really athletic and want to win,” Troy said. “My job is easy.”

Ralston Valley has a solid offensive attack led by Walker, along with seniors Kaden Nielsen, Adleigh Hagestad and Taylor Sanders. All four have already hit the 20-goal scoring mark this season.

“It feels good. We’ve got a lot of good plays now,” Walker said after her 4-goal performance against the Chargers. “Everyone is starting to bond together. We are working as a unit all around the field.”

Ralston Valley does have a tough week ahead facing Valor and Kent Denver next week in league play. 

“When we play the big name schools I still tell them the expectation is that we are winning or at least giving them a run for their money,” Troy said. “That will be the expectation for the other hard competition we’ll see.”

The showdown against Valor will be at 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, at the North Area Athletic Complex.

“It’s all about being scrappy I feel like,” Walker said facing the likes of Valor and Kent Denver. “Going for everything and always being there for your team.”

Chatfield (5-6, 0-3) will attempt to grab its first league win next Tuesday when the Chargers face South Jeffco rival Columbine (2-7, 0-3). The rivalry game is scheduled for 7 p.m. April 22 at Trailblazer Stadium.