By KEN HAMWEY,

Staff Sports Writer

Kristin Igoe’s prime goal as she begins her 10th season this month as the girls’ varsity lacrosse coach at Franklin High speaks volumes about the Panthers’ program.

The 32-year-old coach mentions daily improvement and winning the Kelly Rex Division title as objectives but her No. 1 priority is to become state champions. That goal may sound bold and lofty but consider what’s occurred during her time at Franklin’s helm. There’s been four sectional championships, four berths in the state’s final four, eight straight Kelly-Rex titles, and playoff appearances every year. 

Franklin coach Kristin Igoe has guided the Panthers to four appearances in the State’s final four. 

Last year’s squad, which was 18-0 when it faced Westwood for the Division 1 crown, came close to capturing the school’s first state title in girls’ lacrosse. Franklin lost to the Wolverines, 6-5. Only three seniors graduated from that team, and Igoe has 15 experienced players returning.

“This year’s group has the potential to be the best team I’ve ever coached,’’ said Igoe, who played on two state championship teams at Framingham High. “The keys to winning a state championship are to stay injury-free, get some luck along the way and to stay focused. We must also thrive on a team-first approach and challenge ourselves in practice.’’

Igoe’s optimistic outlook for a long journey in the playoffs stems from the attributes the current contingent possesses. 

“We’re athletic, we’ve got speed, quickness, and good instincts and the squad’s lacrosse IQ is high,’’ Igoe said. “Other strengths include versatility, a coachable nature, leadership, technical skills, experience and depth. What we have to guard against is complacency.’’

Because of Igoe’s competitive philosophy, it’s highly unlikely complacency will be an issue. “We’ve built a culture at Franklin that focuses on having fun while competing, working hard and reaching your potential,’’ Igoe emphasized. “When those things happen, winning will be the by-product.’’

Five seniors who’ll no doubt fuel a winning outcome are midfielders Kenzie Baker, Jackie O’Neil, Kate O’Rourke and Stella Regan and goalie Brigid Earley.

Baker, Regan O’Neil and O’Rourke were Hockomock League all-stars. Last year, Baker had 42 goals and 16 assists; Regan netted 33 goals and had 37 assists; O’Neil had 30 goals and nine assists; and O’Rourke scored 36 goals and assisted on 15 others. Earley had a goals-against average of 4.5 and a save percentage of 50.

“Kenzie will be playing next year at UMass-Lowell,’’ Igoe noted. “She’s a hard-worker who’s tenacious. Excellent in transition, she’ got a high lacrosse IQ and is technically skilled. Jackie can play either midfield or attack. She’s selfless, preferring to pass more than shoot. Capable on attack, she’s very effective on defense. She could be a walk-on at Villanova next year.

“Kate will play next year at the University of New Hampshire. She’s scrappy, excellent in transition, good in the draw circle and a strong dodger. Stella will play for Colby next year. She’s shifty, gets to the goal and is fast and aggressive. Strong in transition, she’s also solid on draws. Brigid is a multi-sport athlete who’s instinctive in goal. Her height (six feet) is helpful. No one wanted to play goalie last year, but she stepped up. She’s calm under pressure.’’

Five juniors, four of whom have committed to playing in college, will be counted on to contribute in key situations. They include Katie Peterson (midfield/attack/defender), Kaitlyn Carney (midfield/attack), Jamie Tanner (midfield/defender), defender Payten Crandall, and midfielder Lindsay Atkinson.

Peterson had 32 goals and 29 assists last year; Tanner scored 21 goals and had 10 assists; Carney had 47 goals and 16 assists; and Atkinson netted 17 goals and assisted on 10 others.  

“Katie will play next year at UMass-Amherst,’’ Igoe said. “She a hard-worker who’s versatile, athletic, talented and technically skilled. A team-first player, she’s an adept scorer and passer. Kaitlyn will play next year at James Madison University in Virginia. She scored two goals and had an assist in last year’s state final game. She rises to the occasion. Her hard shot and her attacking skills are big assets.

“Jamie will play for Sacred Heart (Connecticut),’’ Igoe said. “She always steps up on defense and marks our opponents’ top scorer. She clears the ball well and her communication is excellent. Payten will play for Stonehill. Aggressive and scrappy, she reads offenses very effectively. A good athlete, she’s instinctive and her footwork is top-notch.’’

Atkinson, who suffered a torn ACL late in the season last spring, underwent surgery and a year’s rehab. Igoe expects her to be competing later this month. “Lindsay is one of our fastest players,’’ Igoe said. “She’s well-rounded and very capable whether passing or shooting.’’

It’s obvious the Panthers have another talented team, but Igoe’s background and expertise in the sport that puts Franklin’s program at an elite level. A native of Framingham, she was a three-time Bay State Conference all-star as a midfielder. After playing on two state title teams at Framingham, she continued playing at Boston College, named Atlantic Coast Conference all-star during her four years for the Eagles. After graduating from BC, she played professionally for three years with the Women’s Professional Lacrosse League. With a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education, the married mother of three boys is co-owner of Gold Star Lacrosse.

“Franklin’s lacrosse program was strong before I became the school’s coach,’’ Igoe offered. “Much of our tradition and success comes from a strong youth program with quality coaches and from dedicated athletes who compete year-round and come from supportive families. Many parents support the team and become part of the booster club.’’

The Panthers will be in the mix to win the state crown in June. Igoe is optimistic it can happen. And, if it does, it won’t be by accident.