Lakeside Holds On to Defeat Bainbridge in Varsity A Finals

Lakeside's Second Half Theatrics gave them a 3 goal lead, coming from behind to defeat Bainbridge 9-8 and give them their third consecutive state title.To conclude a great day of lacrosse two heavyweight contenders squared off for the Division A girl’s title. Lakeside boasted one All-American in Brett Eisenhart, while Bainbridge had two honorable mention candidates in Lucy Schlesser, and Sally Baumgartner. The Spartans looked to unseat reigning champions, Lakeside who sought their third consecutive crown.

Lakeside’s Morgan Merriman was able to draw first blood after splitting through two Bainbridge defenders on her way to the goal. However, Bainbridge’s Sally Baumgartner answered right back with a goal from five yards out, bringing the score to an even tie at one all. The majority of the first half was made up solely of back-and-forth play, and despite the tie, momentum lay with Lakeside. Despite a series of fast breaks the Spartans goalie Jo Wallace prevented any type of shot from going in. Moreover, Eisenharts next goal came off of a deflection from a Bainbridge defender, nevertheless bringing the score to 2-1, Lakeside. The Lions goal seemed to enrage the Bainbridge offense as they ferociously charged up the field shooting (but missing), on Lakesides Sarah Adler. By the end of the half the Lions held the lead by two.

The second half started off with the exact intensity seen throughout the first. Excellent goalie play by both keepers Jo Wallace (Bainbridge), and Sarah Adler kept the score within one or two throughout. However Lakeside seemed to be carried on the legs of their All-American Brett Eisenhart who was key in the Lions defensive play and vital in their offensive series (she would have at least a hat trick and one assist). Five minutes into the second half the score is tied at three all, but not one moment later Lucy Schlesser is able to get off a nice pass to Natalie Evans who finished the play making it 4-3, Bainbridge.

Halfway into the second Bainbridge has the lead, but the ball is put in the hands of Lakesides senior captain Eisenhart after a Spartan Penalty. Eisenhart sprints towards the goalie, shoots and finds the back of the net to tie the game at 4-4.

The second half would be plagued with penalties for Bainbridge giving the Lions countless opportunities. Furthermore, Lakesides Katrina Carlsen, who had been slightly quiet throughout the first, came up big in the second. She would finish the game with a hat trick and put the game away for the Lions netting two in a row 8-6. With two minutes left, the Lions held a two goal lead, but their own Lucy Williams felt it needed to be three as she isoed from top left, beat her defender and found the back of the net, capping the Lakeside scoring at 9-6, Lakeside. That wouldn’t be the end of it, as Bainbridge stormed back for two goals led by Mariah Walk, who tallied a hat trick in her junior state championship effort.  Down to the last 30 seconds, Bainbridge battled to the last, in a terrific display of sportsmanship and tenacity.  The game itself was a hard fought battle and spectacular to watch, if you missed it, watch for the video on walax.com!