Soon after finishing the season with a record of 16-3 and winning Conference 13, the girls varsity lacrosse team competed in the State Championship Game against Potomac Falls High School, with a final score of 7-19. Despite the loss, the team is optimistic for the next season.
“I think that now that we have [made it to a state game], next year we’ll be able to not only make it to the championship game again,” junior Lauren Deaver said, “but having been there before and having a stronger team, [we can] pull through with the win.”
At the first practice of the season, the girls made it their goal to play in the state finals. The team held optional practices that were attended by most of the players to assist them in attaining their successful season.
“The team would come at 6:50 in the morning ready to work hard,” Deaver said. “I think that with that attitude within our team and the coaches recognizing it and giving us the direction and coaching we needed along the way, the goal of states became a reality.”
In preparation for the championship, the coaches taught the athletes tactics that Potomac Falls would attempt during the game in order to be ready for the challenges that would surface during the game.
“Our coaches prepared us for the game by preparing us for everything Potomac Falls was going to throw at us,” junior Hannah Smith said. “For example, plays that they do and telling us how to stop their star players.”
Although they were down the entire game, their coaches and teammates continued to encourage the team.
“Our coaches told us not to give up and that it’s not over,” sophomore Setota Tesfu said. “We beat them once and we can do it again. Just keep your hopes up and see what you can do.”
The results of the championship were not ideal in the eyes of the team, but the girls maintained a positive mentality throughout the duration of the game.
“My mind going through the championship game was that even [if we] win or lose our team was still accomplishing a lot that day, and not that many teams can say that they’ve gotten this far in their season as a team,” Smith said. “I feel proud of that everyday.”