PIAA girls lacrosse season preview 2026: Meet the top 12 players to watch in Butler County
Taryn Hilovsky has both ends of the lacrosse field covered.
While the Butler senior attack has scored 76 goals the last two seasons, including 48 last year, she has signed to play as a defenseman at Lenoir-Rhyne University, a Division II school in North Carolina.
“I kept an open mind when choosing a college (and position),” Hilovsky said. “There was one school, Wingate in North Carolina, that was interested in me playing attack. But I visited Lenoir-Rhyne, and it seemed like a perfect fit.”
Hilovsky played defense throughout her youth and middle school career and has starred there for her club team, Pittsburgh Premier Lacrosse. So how did she end up playing attack for Butler?
“Three years ago, the coach at the time liked the fact that I could shoot both right- and left-handed,“ Hilovsky said. ”She said, 'I'm putting you on offense.'”
Hilovsky has made the most of the switch. She scored eight combined goals last week in wins over North Catholic and Freeport.
“She commands the field and sees a lot of things that help put her in the best position to score,” Butler coach Abbie Roetering said.
The ability Hilovsky brings to the field makes her a girls lacrosse player to watch in 2026. Butler County includes no shortage of talent, and the following are other players looking to have a major impact this spring, listed alphabetically.
She emerged last year as a major scoring threat on a loaded Planets squad. Scored 62 goals and added 15 assists.
Consistently contributes to the team’s attack and also defends well. Brings energy to defense and is adept at dodging close to opposing team’s net.
A versatile player who contributes on the offensive and defensive end of the field, she was named the Yellowjackets’ offensive player of the year in 2025 after tallying 41 goals and nine assists.
Has great vision that allows her to be in the right place at the right time. She has the ability to take legitimate shots from all over the field. Registered 48 goals last year along with controlling 32 groundballs. She is a Lenoir-Rhyne University recruit as a defenseman.
The respect her teammates have for her allows her to have a calming influence on the defense in front of her. Made 156 saves in 2025.
She uses her speed, quickness and an intense competitive streak to thwart opposing attacks.
Proved dominant in draw controls as a sophomore with 132, many of them coming against players with more experience. Scored 61 goals and added 18 assists in 2025. Has committed to attend and play at Nova Southeastern University in Florida.
She is adept at controlling groundballs and is strong on defense. Makes plays all over the field. She was named All-WPIAL as a junior, when she tallied 54 goals, 40 assists and caused 24 turnovers. Was recognized as Mars’ defensive MVP in 2025.
Was the Planets’ leading scorer last year with 64 goals and added 19 assists, efforts that earned her All-WPIAL and team offensive MVP honors. She rises to the occasion in high-pressure situations.
She is accurate with her shot placement and is a valuable cog in the team’s new zone defensive scheme.
Has shown a knack for winning draws and, despite being an underclassman, possesses a lot of power in her shot.
She led the Raiders in scoring last year, thanks to quick feet and quick shots. Communicates well with teammates.
Note: Information from Knoch was not submitted.
