Rylee and Brooklyn Yankow are carrying on the family legacy and have had an impact on the Abington Heights girls’ lacrosse dominance this season.
Following in the footsteps of their older sister, Caly, a former Times-Tribune Player of the Year and member of the Catholic University women’s team, the sisters contribute to the high-powered offense and the tenacious defense.
Three-time District 2 Class 3A champion Abington Heights (20-1) hosts Twin Valley (18-2), the second-place team from District 3, on Tuesday at 5 p.m. at the Abington Heights High School Athletic Complex.
“Caly was always such a great leader, and she taught me how to use my voice and lead people kindly,” Rylee said. “She also taught me how to work hard to reach the level that she did.”
For three seasons, Rylee has been the top defender in the Wyoming Valley Conference.
As a sophomore, she had 49 turnovers and 29 ground balls while earning a first-team all-star berth. Rylee repeated as a WVC all-star and caused 35 turnovers.
In both seasons, Rylee was named to The Times-Tribune All-Region team.
This year, earning her 100th career turnover early in the season, she has been a force on defense.
“Our defense is a well-oiled machine,” Rylee said. “We know what to do to get the ball to our offense.”
Brooklyn is a freshman and has been a dynamic scorer alongside Morgan Davis and Alloe Rothenberger.
Her speed and quickness have helped fuel the offense. She has 53 goals this season, including three in the District 2 Class 2A championship win over Crestwood.
“This has been such a great experience,” Brooklyn said. “As a freshman, playing with all of the upperclassmen has been unbelievable, and they have helped me a lot. I watch Allie and Morgan and try to mimic them.
“It did take me a little while to adjust to varsity lacrosse. Morgan and Allie are great players and teach me how to become a better player.
Having her older sister on the team has also helped Brooklyn through the long season.
“It’s great having her with me on the team,” Brooklyn said. “She keeps me disciplined and grounded and helps me with everything. I really appreciate it.”
Abington Heights has dominated the last three seasons. Last spring, the Lady Comets reached the PIAA Class 2A semifinals.
The Yankow sisters hope to help the Lady Comets continue their success throughout the state playoffs.
“We have to work together,” Rylee said. “We are not individual players. We always work together as a team.
“It’s been an awesome year. We are hoping to get back to where we were last year and farther in states. We are really pushing each other.”
PIAA GIRLS LACROSSE
CLASS 2A: 3-2 Twin Valley (18-2) at 2-1 Abington Heights (20-1), Tuesday, 5 p.m.