Entering their Mar. 11 game against the Boone High School Braves, Timber Creek’s girls lacrosse team was 8-1 and coming off a 13-7 win over Lake Brantley High School. It was just another game in the Wolves’ quest for a state championship.
Before the game, the ladies had no doubt they would handle the Braves with ease. They were more focused on a future game against Oviedo High School.
“We aren’t even thinking about Boone.” said senior Leighton Yenor. “We know we will win. We’re already thinking about the Oviedo game later this week.”
In the first half the Wolves jumped out to an 11-2 lead thanks to great passing and team defense. As the game wore on, the play became more and more physical. A Boone player had to be carted off the field after hurting her ankle, and players from both teams received yellow cards for rough play.
“There were a lot of things we think shouldn’t have been called, like the yellow cards, but a lot of it was out of our control,” said senior Sabrina Guererro.
As a result of the physical play, the officials began calling the game more tightly. It slowed the ladies down, and the Braves were able to score down the stretch before halftime. The Braves cut the Wolves’ lead to six at one point, but Timber Creek led 14-7 at the half.
However, the ladies came out after halftime determined to pull away from Boone. The Wolves’ defense smothered the Braves in the second half, not allowing a goal the entire 25 minutes. Led by seniors Rachel Lacy, Carol Avena and Mariana Hernandez on the defensive end, sophomore goalie Adia Best did not have to do much. The Braves could barely get the ball across mid-field in the second half.
“We really take pride in our defense. Every girl on the team can defend,” said senior Haleigh Brooks.
The final score was 24-7 in favor of the Wolves. Guerrero had one of her better games of the season with six goals and four assists. Brooks, a Mercer University signee, also added six goals and three assists. The ladies improved to 9-1 with the victory and are looking forward to the rest of the season. Next they take on Oviedo on Friday, Mar. 13.
“They’re ranked very high within the state. It’s a huge statement game and will be a good indicator of whether we’ll make it back to states, or not,” said Guererro.