The girls’ lacrosse team kept their season alive on Friday night after pushing past BCC (9-5). Almost exactly a year prior to this game, the Wildcats were beaten by the Barons in their first game of the postseason. Just like this year, the Wildcats went into that game with a regular season win over the Barons under their belt, and a home-field advantage. The Wildcats prevented history from repeating itself by besting the Barons 8-7.
As shown by the final score, this game was a hard-fought battle. The Barons struck first but their goal was quickly responded to by sophomore attacker Ginger Fishberg.
“It just felt great. I feel like the team needed a boost of energy and something to remind us how good we are to stay locked in. I think tying the game before BCC could pull ahead of us really helped us stay in it and stay focused,” Fishberg said.
After Fishberg’s goal, the Barons bounced back and scored two more goals of their own. It didn’t take long for senior captain and midfielder Olivia McCloskey to storm down the field and score her first of three goals in the game.
After another goal by BCC, Krouse found the back of the net with an assist by Fishberg and McCloskey scored with an assist from Krouse.
“It felt great. Lacrosse is a team sport so being able to contribute to our win felt great. I was so glad we were able to finish on top,” Krouse said.
BCC scored at the end of the half which allowed them to go into the final 25 minutes of play with a 5-4 lead.
Being down at half did not stop the Wildcats from staying collected. Senior captain and midfielder Ellie Hilton scored at the beginning of the second half to tie the game. The Barons then scored another two goals which the Wildcats responded to by scoring three unanswered points.
“It’s honestly the best feeling being able to represent my school and seeing such a big crowd for girls’ lacrosse, which traditionally doesn’t generate so much energy. It is really just a reminder to play hard and put on a show,” Fishberg said.
WJ will play in the regional finals at Whitman (12-1) at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 15. The Wildcats lost to the Vikings in the regular season in overtime, 9-8.
“I feel good. I feel prepared to play tonight. I think Whitman believes that they are going to win so we are coming in as underdogs. I think a lot of people don’t expect us to win but I think if we come together we can win. We have used the regular season game greatly by looking at film and picking apart ourselves as a team and individuals,” McCloskey said.
