What a moment it was for the second-year Lakeland Christian girls lacrosse program Thursday at home.
Following up the semifinal win, not only did the Vikings avenge All Saints Academy from last year’s scoreless game, but Lakeland Christian just won its first girls lacrosse district title in school history thanks to a 12-9 win over the Saints.
“It feels absolutely incredible. I mean, I am just so grateful that my players were able to pull through and kind of show how hard they’ve worked this entire season and finally get the results that they are looking for. I mean coming off of last year, it was a different experience. Going through that tough record from last year … gave them a different light coming into this year. … No matter what, we are going to do our best no matter who we are playing or what our standing is. … It was really exciting to see,” Lakeland Christian head girls lacrosse coach Maddy Mills said.
It was also exciting because the game featured some high-caliber lacrosse from both teams — offensively and defensively.
Scoring-wise, it was freshman attack Piper Streets who racked up four goals, constantly beating her opponent in one-on-one situations.
“I was getting open for passes and I was fighting for the ground balls,” Streets said. “It feels amazing to get this win and I have had such a great time with this team. Everyone is so kind.”
For Streets to get these opportunities, it was all about sophomore midfielder Mattie Fountain — the draw taker who gave the offense so many chances to score. She registered 13 draw controls in comparison to All Saints’ four.
Defensively, sophomore midfielder Kendall Reber was able to make it difficult for all-county All Saints junior midfielder Summer Barfield, who has 29 goals on the year. This matchup reflected the entire team, as Mills had her bunch prepared for the top offensive players. If All Saints maneuvered around, other Lakeland Christian girls recognized who to pick up and made the necessary stop.
Helping bring this game home, though, was seventh-grader midfielder Bella Woods, who put up two caused turnovers.
“It’s something we value on defense. On defense, it’s valuing every play. Pick up that ball. … And she is just so fast that nobody can stop her,” Mills said.
Lakeland Christian (12-4) will face Lake Highland Prep (16-2) in the regional quarterfinal 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on the road.
District lacrosse around the county
All Saints girls (5-7) beat Lake Wales (9-6) in the district semifinal on Tuesday. Barfield and sophomore Annie Baird put up three goals each in Class 1A, District 7 action. Lake Wales beat Angeline Academy 18-1 in the quarterfinal to get to this point. Senior Kyley Wood put up five goals and senior Mia Linstamer put up four goals.
Winter Haven girls (4-15) beat Durant 15-3 in the Class 2A, District 9 quarterfinal. Junior Ryann White notched eight goals, while junior Kierra Brantley racked up five. In the semifinal Winter Haven lost 23-2 to Newsome with White and Brantley scoring a goal each.
Bartow girls (5-6) in the same district fell 20-4 to Bloomindale in the semifinal with junior Nora-Claire Bates, senior Kylie Reber, junior BellaSofia Saires and senior Anne Clark all scoring a goal apiece.
Lakeland boys (8-9) lacrosse went down to Horizon 11-8 in the district championship game on Thursday. To even get there, the Dreadnaughts beat Lake Buena Vista 13-4 in the quarterfinal and ousted Celebration 8-6 in Class 2A, District 9 action.
Winter Haven (7-7) boys in the same district lost 11-7 Horizon in the semifinal.
Lakeland Christian boys (5-9) beat Lake Wales (5-7) 15-12 in the Class 1A, District 6 quarterfinals. Lakeland Christian senior Jack Dainty tallied six goals, while senior Max Mendez put up five goals. The Vikings lost in the semifinals to Jesuit by a score of 21-6 on Tuesday. Mendez and Dainty scored three and two goals respectively.
All Saints boys (3-8) in the same district lost 9-4 to Tampa Prep in the district quarterfinal. Sophomore Walker Sorneson posted two goals.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Lakeland Christian lacrosse wins first title; District highlights
Reporting by Robert Magobet, Lakeland Ledger / The Ledger
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