By: Evi Fromm

Varsity lacrosse players and sisters Ashtyn and Ava Praeter have both committed to continuing their athletic and academic careers in college as they enter their senior year.

The girls are two of three triplets that attend BHS, including their brother Aiden who plays on the men’s lacrosse team. Although they have not always gravitated to play the same sports, “It just kind of ends up that way,” the sisters said.

“We always did cheer together and lacrosse, but when we were younger we tried to go separate ways,” Ashtyn said. “She did hip-hop and I did swim.”

They have now played lacrosse together for the last five years. “Freshman year is when I wanted to start playing in college,” Ava said. “This past summer is when I took it seriously.”

Ava has committed to play D1 college lacrosse at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell. This year she has led the team as captain and reached individual milestones like breaking school records and achieving 100 career points.

“Next season, I want to have an impact on the program and show leadership to the underclassmen,” Ava said. “I have reached most of my personal goals for myself, so I want to help other people reach theirs.”

Ashtyn has committed to play D2 lacrosse at Malone University in Canton, Ohio. “In the summer randomly at a tournament, I decided that I do not want the lacrosse games and fun experiences to end after high school,” Ashtyn said.

After coming back from multiple knee injuries, Ashtyn has worked her way up the ranks on the team.

“I want to make a lasting impact on Bellbrook Lacrosse by being a role model to the younger girls,” Ashtyn said. “I hope to not only achieve 100 career points myself next season, but help other girls also reach their personal goals.”

The sisters never attempted to play at the same school after high school because they are committing to totally different positions. “By the time Ava had committed, I had no idea if I wanted to even play at the next level,” Ashtyn said.

“It’s definitely sad that we will not be playing together anymore,” Ava said. “But also I’m so proud of how we both are able to spread our wings and continue to do what we love even if it’s not together. It’s going to be a change to not see her on the field across from me but we will still be each others’ number 1 supporters.”

See the Praeter sisters in action at the next girls’ lacrosse game at home on Tuesday, May 21.