North Stars Girls Field Trio Shines at U.S. Showcase with Undefeated Empress Squad

Three members of the Owen Sound North Stars Creative Playgrounds JEWL women’s lacrosse team made a strong impression this past weekend at the Summer Genesis Showcase in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

 Bree Wilkins, Taryn Weppler, and Ainsley Smith suited up with the Empress club team based out of Buffalo, NY, helping them to a perfect 4-0 record at the event.

 On Saturday, the Empress squad rolled through their competition, earning dominant wins over CCLax (Chesapeake, MD) 11-1, Shine Select (Orlando, FL) 13-2, and Maryland 3D (Annapolis, MD) 9-3.  Wilkins led the charge against CCLax, netting a hat trick in a standout offensive performance.

The team capped off the weekend on Sunday with a 7-3 victory over TNLax (Nashville, TN), in a game shortened due to lightning.  The win secured Empress’ place at the top of the standings.

 Smith and Weppler anchored a stingy Empress defense that allowed just nine goals across four games—an impressive feat against U.S.-based programs.

 The trio will return to action with Empress later this month at the Apex 120 Showcase in Philadelphia, taking place June 27–29.

Picture (l-r): Ainsley Smith, Taryn Weppler, and Bree Wilkins