Madilyn Main didn’t mince words when discussing her emotions during the Buchholz girls lacrosse game vs. West Orange.
“It was really scary,” Main said. “I’ve played in overtime games before, but it was really nerve-wrecking.”
There’s a reason this overtime game was different. A district title (a rarity for the Bobcats program) was on the line, and Main – as the goalkeeper – needed to remain calm on the outside.
“We had to have a strong mental game to come out on top, but I had a lot of confidence in my team and my defense,” Main said.
That trust paid off as the ‘Cats delivered a 10-9 victory over the Warriors to claim a district title.
Two months later, the honors continue to come as Main is the Gainesville Sun’s Girls Lacrosse Player of the Year.
Main’s defense assisted her this campaign for sure, but she stepped up when needed. She recorded 10 saves, for example, in the 8-7 win over Niceville.
Even still, she noted those saves were ones set up by the defense.
“All of our defense this year was essentially new,” Main said. “It was phenomenal to see this team grow and the defense grow to be so much better than the starters last year.”
Her save percentage of .548 ranks top 16 in Florida. Once again, she continues to feel not-worthy.
“It doesn’t make me feel any sort of way,” Main said regarding her honor. “I have that save percentage because my defense gives me minimal shots.”
She heads to Lynn University in Boca Raton, where she’ll attempt the impossible – being a collegiate athlete and pre-med. Main acknowledged it’ll more intense and a little intimidating to play with new teammates, but she’s ready for the test.
“I’m good enough to go to that next level,” Main said.
She leads the All-Area team of 20 (10 first and 10 second) from five Gainesville-area schools. Congratulations to all those selected!
Gainesville Sun All-Area Girls Lacrosse First Team
Defender: Bella Velarde, Buchholz
Defender: Cameron Parker, Oak Hall
Defender: Nadia Turner, Buchholz
Midfielder: Becca Beyer, Buchholz
Midfielder: Emma Ellenburg, Newberry
Midfielder: Raigan Trefzger, Oak Hall
Attacker: Isla Montes, Oak Hall
Attacker: Sara Davis, Buchholz
Attacker: Sicily Cannella, Gainesville High
Goalie: Madilyn Main, Buchholz
Gainesville Sun All-Area Girls Lacrosse Second Team
Defender: Anna Lopez, Newberry
Defender: Brynn Baker, Buchholz
Defender: Laurel Gurley, Oak Hall
Midfielder: Addyson Myers, Buchholz
Midfielder: Karly Walser, Gainesville High
Midfielder: Lilani Pringle, Newberry
Attacker: Alex Davis, Oak Hall
Attacker: Julia Zona, Oak Hall
Attacker: Kylee Ramsey, Santa Fe
Goalie: Savannah Loges, Oak Hall
Coach of the Year: Marissa Higgins, Buchholz
Not only did Higgins lead the Bobcats to an elusive district title, but she did so while pregnant.
Main said Higgins committed to coaching the entire season, even though that led to some risky moments – such as after the district title win.
“She was ready to pop,” Main said. “I remember, when we won districts, she tried to run on the field to celebrate and took two steps and was like ‘Okay, let’s chill out. Let’s not do that.’”
Main desperately wanted Higgins to remain with the team. She’s been her coach her entire lacrosse life.
“She’s done private lessons for me when I couldn’t afford it. She’s done everything to make me a better player,” Main said. “Sometimes when we play other teams, I tell their goalie ‘If you ever want to transfer to Buchholz, you will have a great goalie coach.”’
Noah Ram covers Florida Gators athletics and Gainesville-area high school sports for The Gainesville Sun, GatorSports.com and the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at nram@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X @Noah_ram1, Instagram @Ramreporter and Facebook Noah Ram – Reporter.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Buchholz’s Madilyn Main leads the Sun’s All-Area Girls Lacrosse team
Reporting by Noah Ram, Gainesville Sun / The Gainesville Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Noah Ram, Gainesville Sun | USA TODAY Network
