In girls lacrosse, Region 6 features some of the top teams in Class 5A. Olympus is right there at the top. 

As of the end of April, the Titans boasted an impressive 10-1 record and a perfect 4-0 mark in Region 6. The Titans were tied with Park City for first place at that point, half a game ahead of West Jordan and Brighton. 

Several talented players make up the Olympus team, with twin sisters Elizabeth “Lizzie” Anné and Sarah Anné, both juniors, two of the headliners. Both players are midfielders and help control the game for the Titans. They are talented, skilled athletes as well as hard-working, dedicated leaders. 

“They are incredible players,” head coach Zana Spratling said. “They truly make everyone around them better, but they are in a league all their own. I am so happy they are playing together. I can’t wait to watch what they do.”

Both players have put up big numbers this season. 

Lizzie had 20 points through the first 11 games, with 10 goals and 10 assists. She also had 15 ground balls and four caused turnovers up to that point in the season. Sarah was the team’s leader through 11 games in points and assists. She had 44 total points: 28 goals (tied for second on the team) and 16 assists. She had 14 ground balls and nine caused turnovers. 

Lizzie and Sara love playing together. 

“Playing with my twin sister has been an incredible experience,” Lizzie said. “The support we have for each other on the field is unmatched. With her being my sister, there is built-in competition, which has helped me become the competitor I am. We have a strong connection on the field, and I believe it has helped me become the player I am today. It’s been so much fun to fulfill and share this experience with her.”

Sarah has similar sentiments. She believes their closeness makes them better players. 

“It is truly special to be able to play with your best friend by your side,” Sarah said. “Our connection off the field really enhances our connection while playing. We feed off of each other’s energy and competitiveness and always look out for each other on and off the field. We have a way of always seeming to find each other and connection on the field.”

The twin sisters picked up the sport when they were in fifth grade six years ago. A friend of theirs introduced them to lacrosse, and they picked it up quickly. Lizzie had played hockey and noted how similar the games were, which helped her develop a love for the sport right off the bat. 

Not only do they love being on the field together, but both players said being a part of the Titans’ team is rewarding and enjoyable. 

“Our team at Olympus is a special team,” Lizzie said. “The support that I get from my teammates on and off the field is amazing. We have a roster of talented girls who bring a lot to the table, and we wouldn’t be the team we are without them.”

Sarah also spoke about the tram unity and camaraderie the players enjoy. 

“At Olympus, we have such a good group of girls who support and love each other,” she said. “We hold each other to a high standard and have a strong commitment toward each other and the team’s success.”

Lizzie loves playing lacrosse because it has allowed her to have memorable experiences. She has traveled across the country to play in tournament and has met lifelong friends along the way. Sarah echoes these thoughts and appreciates the chance to develop relationships with teammates. 

Lizzie and Sarah are a coach’s dream and an opposing team’s nightmares. They understand the game and have a will to succeed. Both are skilled and tenacious. Sarah said her experience playing other sports has helped her with a good understanding of the tactics of lacrosse. 

“Growing up, I was exposed to multiple sports, whether watching or playing them,” she said. “That exposure, I think, really led to my high IQ in sports. I feel like I can be trusted by my teammates while also having that same trust and faith in my teammates as well.”

Lizzie is confident and has a relentless mindset. 

“Since the first time I stepped foot on a field, I have held myself with a high level of confidence,” she said. “I feel that I bring a competitive energy, a never-back-down energy to every game I play. I am a two-way midfielder who can compete on every aspect of the field. Because of this, I am able to support my team on both sides of the ball.”

The sisters both have resolved to continue to learn and grow. They work tirelessly to get even better. Lizzie wants to improve her lacrosse IQ as well as her speed. 

“You can never be fast enough,” she said. 

Meanwhile, Sarah wants to improve her endurance. She knows that much more challenging opponents await. 

As far as their future in lacrosse, Lizzie and Sarah both have many more years ahead of them. Both will be playing Division 1 lacrosse at Penn State University. Playing together at that high level is something both sisters can’t wait to experience. 

“I am looking forward to continuing our athletic careers together and sharing our connection on the field,” Lizzie said. “Sarah and I are best friends, and I can’t imagine not being able to play on the same team with her for another four years. It has taken a lot of hard work and dedication to get to the point where I am at. After being out for nine months due to injury, it took a lot of mental strength to get back to the point I was at before my injury. Being out for so long gave me a stronger understanding of how much I really loved the game and that motivated me to work even harder at my dreams.”

For Sarah, the opportunity to play college ball with her sister is a dream come true. 

“I look forward to bringing our connection to Penn State,” Sarah said. “It’s a long way away, so I am happy to be together and get to experience and make so many more memories. Playing [Division 1] lacrosse has been a dream of ours since the beginning, and we feel very fortunate that we are able to continue playing with each other. It has taken a lot of hard work, dedication and sacrifices. It has taken a lot of commitment and support from family, coaches and teammates. I wouldn’t be here without belief in myself, and the love and support of so many people. I am grateful for this opportunity to play at Penn State.” λ