LAKEVILLE - LaVille returns eight from a year ago for ninth-year girls track and field coach Erin Ecker. The Lancers currently have an 18-person roster, with eight that "provides a pretty strong framework for the team," according to Ecker. "They are spread out evenly across multiple events, so that is a good starting point. Even though we lost major key players, we had a strong infusion from the freshman class and other newcomers who will play a key role this season. "Our biggest void to fill from last year's seniors is at high jump (Brooke Edison) and throws (Moriah Richhart, Reagan Bollenbacher)," said Ecker of three regional qualifiers in field events. LaVille also advanced Mikalah Kuskye to the regional round in the 400. There is good news, though, in Lakeville. "Fortunately, we still have Denni Markin," noted Ecker. "She worked her way up the depth chart and was on the sectional roster for both shot and discus last year. Joining her are sophomore newcomers, Lexi Huff and Lily Menefee. Lexi lost a season due to injury, but her hard work has paid off, and she has returned very strong. Menefee is brand-new, but probably one of the most athletic and coachable athletes we've seen. Once things start fully clicking, she could be in the mix competing for a spot on the sectional roster. While it's always hard to replace a highly technical spot like the high jump left by regional qualifier Edison, the freshman class brought us two new weapons with Izzy Ort and Reagan Strang. It's very fortunate to pick up two jumpers who can earn some points. Tolbert will lead us in pole vault as she's picking up where she left off last season. Hopefully, we will get some help there as the season progresses. We are a few bodies shy of a dominating roster, but the quality of athletes and the work ethic we have seen thus far make for a promising season." Others returning and looking to step in and help are, "Alyssia Johnston will get some help in the mid to long-distance races from Leena Karkieiez. Gracie Garrett is looking strong this season, and she will get some help from Reagan Strang in the 800M. Sarah Tharp and Ava Miller will continue to be leading contributors for us in the dashes. Oliva Harman has also shown growth from her freshman season. The trio will be joined by freshmen Madison Mishler, Izzy Ort, and Ella Edison, and our foreign exchange student, Leni Reichmann. Mishler will join Myleigh Tolbert and add depth to our hurdles. These ladies will be big contributors to our relays." LHS finished fourth in the INSC Championships behind Bremen, Jimtown, and John Glenn. When asked about the 2026 INSC, Ecker said, "Looking at the conference, Bremen will likely be the team to beat again this year. They have a lot of young talent returning and considerable depth. With the star performers from the other INSC schools, if we can keep within striking distance, it could become anyone's meet." 2026 LaVille Girls Track & Field Schedule 4.8 @ Culver Academy, L 86-3 4.14 @ Jimtown w/ Career Academy, 3rd place 4.16 v St. Thomas More Academy, Lakeland Christian, ppd 4.20 v Bremen, Trinity Academy, 2nd place 4.23 @ Triton w/ Knox, 530pm 4.28 v Winamac, Career Academy, 6pm 5.1 v Lancer Relays, 530pm 5.8 @ Rippy Invitational, 530pm 5.13 v. INSC Championships, 5pm 5.19 @ IHSAA Track & Field Mishawaka Sectional, TBA 5.26 @ IHSAA Track & Field Goshen Regional, TBA 6.6 @ IHSAA Track & Field Indpls North Central Championships, TBA