EAST LANSING — Abby Russell has experienced plenty of success during her career in the Haslett-Williamson girls lacrosse program
But when it comes to fun, nothing compared to this season for the senior and Pittsburgh signee.
Russell felt there was a strong sisterhood within the Haslett-Williamston program. And she credits the strong connection within the team for helping the program make another deep state tournament run.
And while the journey ended a win short of a state championship game appearance for Haslett-Williamston after a 20-6 state semifinal loss to East Grand Rapids on Wednesday, June 3,, Russell said her final high school sports experience was memorable.
“It was an incredible last ride,” Russell said. “Obviously we wanted a better outcome this game tonight but I wouldn’t have wanted to do it with anyone else. This is my family forever and I’m just so grateful for the opportunities that I got here.”
Russell was one of the big pieces for Haslett-Williamston as it made a fourth straight state semifinals appearance while finishing 18-2. The 18 victories were one of the top win totals for the program and one shy of the 19 wins the program had in each the 2023 and 2024 seasons. This year’s 90% win rate was the best of the program.
“(It was) our sisterhood and the way we were able to connect with each other on and off the field this season.” Russell said of the success. “Not only did it allow us to win a lot, it allowed us to have the most fun season I’ve had my entire career here so that was really special.”
Haslett-Williamston coach Kalli Miller said the group was very selfless while putting together another strong season where they were once again the top program in Greater Lansing
“I think (our success) just shows how much determination and work we’re putting in here and how much these girls just really play for one another and how hey just want to get it done at the end of the day,” Miller said.
In their bid to break through and reach the state championship game for the first time, Haslett-Williamston started strong. Haslett-Williamston scored the first two goals of the game within the opening three minutes. The game was tied at 5 in the early stages of the second quarter before East Grand Rapids closed the first half with eight straight goals to take control.
“I think we really came out hot and were competing really well against them,” Miller said. “I think just trying to get over that mental block when they started to score a couple of goals was just our biggest threat in this game and I think it’s what really deterred us at the end of the day. I’m proud of them for trying in the second half and continuing to fight through it.”
Contact Brian Calloway at bcalloway@lsj.com. Follow him on X @brian_calloway and Bluesky @briancalloway.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Latest strong run by Haslett-Williamston lacrosse stopped in state semis
Reporting by Brian Calloway, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
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By Brian Calloway, Lansing State Journal | USA TODAY Network
