Southern High School junior attacker Kimmy Wayson notched four goals to lift the Bulldogs to a 10-8 win at Queen Anne's for their fourth 2A-1A East Region title in seven years.
High School girls lacrosse coach Arvak Marshall always knew his team could surprise people. At the same time, he was one of the only people not surprised when the Bulldogs pulled off a 10-8 victory at Queen Anne's to win the Class 2A-1A East Region championship on Thursday.
"I knew that if this team could continue to improve with every game that we could win the big games in the end," said Marshall, whose team won its fourth region title since 2001.
The Bulldogs (9-6) will play the winner of Thursday's Loch Raven/Pikesville game in the state semifinals at Reservoir High School at 6 p.m. Friday. Southern will be aiming for its first state title since 1988.
Junior attacker Kimmy Wayson led the charge for Southern with four goals and an assist. Senior midfielder Cara Manas added three goals and an assist.
"Everyone has been heating up offensively and taking advantages of their opportunities," said Marshall, whose team fell behind by three goals in the first half but went into the break with an 8-6 lead.
"As a coach, you can only hope your team is peaking at the right time -- in the playoffs -- and I truly believe these girls have no fear."
The Bulldogs made their last state tournament appearance in 2004 and there are no players on the current team that were members of that squad. The lack of deep postseason experience has not been an issue, Marshall said.
"We've just focused on limiting mistakes and turnovers," he said. "They're starting to believe. We don't force anything and it’s really awesome to watch and see everything come together at the end of the season."
Goalkeeper Amy Sheperd tallied 10 saves after the first three shots from Queen Anne's found the back of the Southern cage.
"(Amy) calmed down after that and really took over," Marshall said.
Sophomore midfielder Charlotte Hines, senior attacker Melissa Dick and senior attacker Christin Probst each netted goals for the Bulldogs, while senior defender Elizabeth Sancomb added an assist.
Southern (9-6) 8 2 - 10
Queen Anne's 6 2 - 8
GOALS: SO - Wayson 4, Manas 3, Hines, Dick, Probst; QA - Beres 3, Thompson 2, Wheeler 2, Palmer. ASSISTS: SO - Sancomb, Wayson, Manas; QA - Veonembugu, Nelson. SAVES: SO - Sheperd 10; QA - Snmith 12.