Year Four. Defend the Crown.

Defending Champions Return

When the Aptos girls lacrosse program launched in the spring of 2023, it was a blank canvas. No history, no traditions, no banners. Three years later, the Lady Mariners are defending league champions.

Coach Stuart Mager has been there from the very first practice, building something from nothing. Now entering his fourth season at the helm, the program he created went 9-0 in PCAL Mission Division play last year and brought home the program's first-ever league title. His oldest daughter is one of the team's captains and leading scorers — a family affair that runs deeper than most.

The 2026 Lax Jam at Soquel High School on February 21 was the first test. The results were mixed — a loss to Salinas and a win over Soquel — but the energy was undeniable. 'Most of these girls had never played an officiated game of lacrosse before,' the team posted, 'and they all balled out.'

With a mix of returning championship experience and eager newcomers, the Lady Mariners have something to prove: that last year's title wasn't a one-time thing.

Season Opener

The Lady Mariners opened the regular season Wednesday, March 11, at home against Monterey. The Toreadores made it a fight — Aptos led wire-to-wire but had to hold on for a 12-9 final. Aryel Reyes Mager led the way with 5 goals. Lauren Ashton added 3. Aiyana Reyes Mager chipped in 2, and Virginia Kelso and Lucy Erikson each found the back of the net. Record moves to 1-0 on the season.