A day after winning the North Region title, Loch Raven girls' lacrosse team beat Southern-Anne Arundel Friday in a state semifinal. The Raiders will play for its first state title since 1995.
Neither the rain, chilly temperatures or the
Southern-Anne Arundel High girls' lacrosse team could stop the hot-handed shooting of junior Gabby Miller and
Loch Raven.
Led by two hat tricks from Miller and junior Emma Davis, the Raiders handled the Bulldogs, 12-5, in a Class 1A-2A state semifinal match at Reservoir Friday evening. Loch Raven will play either Glenelg or Rising Sun for the state title Tuesday at 4 p.m. at UMBC Stadium. Glenelg and Rising Sun will play in the other semifinal Saturday at Reservoir.
Loch Raven started the game in a dominating fashion, connecting on five shots over the first five minutes of the game. Raiders coach Danielle Grzebien was left speechless by the fast start.
“That was some of the best lacrosse I’ve ever seen my team play,” said Grzebien. “We had great shot selection early, and we just came out of the gate strong. As a coach, I couldn’t have asked more from them right from the start.”
Southern eventually slowed Loch Raven’s momentum as junior goalie Ame Shepherd stopped eight shots in the first half. But the Bulldogs' offense struggled, managing only five shots.
“Our defense was great,” said Grzebien. “We really wanted to shut them down and we did. Our offense really worked to take good shots and use placement. All around it was a great effort from these girls. They just did everything well. They did exactly what we wanted from them.”
Early in the second half junior Kimmy Wayson struck first for Southern, but the Lady Raiders continued where they left off. Davis and Miller would score three straight goals, followed by a fourth goal from senior teammate Taylor Moyer, to put Loch Raven up 10-2.
Southern made a later run getting two goals from junior Emily Ainsworth and sophomore Charlotte Hines, but Loch Raven maintained possession with six minutes left to secure the victory.
“We prepared for this since the season started,” said Grzebien. “This is what these girls have dreamed of, and this is what we have practiced for since our first game. We played incredible tonight.”
Class 2A-1A State Semifinal
at Reservoir
Loch Raven 12 Southern 5Goals: LR–Miller 5, Davis 3, Moyer 2, Stolins 2; S-Ainsworth, Wayson, Ahlstrom, Eng, Hines
Assists: LR- Miller 2, Davis, Buckless.
Saves: LR-Russell 8; S–Shepherd-11.
Halftime: Loch Raven 6, Southern 1.