Girls lacrosse | Bainbridge advances to seventh straight championship final

After handily defeating Snohomish 17-4 in the Division I state girls lacrosse semifinals Wednesday, Bainbridge has earned its seventh straight championship berth.

Bainbridge will face Lakeside for the fifth straight time at 2 p.m. Saturday at Eastside Catholic.

“I was a little surprised in terms of the outcome of the game because I thought it would be a closer game than it was,” coach Tami Tommila said.

The Spartans (12-1), won the 2004 and 2005 state championships before losing the last four titles to Lakeside (13-0).

In their only meeting this season, Lakeside upended the Spartans 20-10 in Bainbridge’s season opener.

“I think from the start of the season we’ve really improved because we are really trying to work as a team in the attacking end, and we’re looking to hit the open player instead of taking it one vs. one,” Tommilasaid. “In doing that, we’ve learned that we’re much more successful.”

Bainbridge will have to contend with Lakeside’s strong offense, Tommila said.

“One of the things Lakeside has been successful with is its chip-in goals from players you don’t see in the stat category,” she said. “They put those extra goals in when it counts.

“Your top goal scorers are going to get some goals but in tight games it’s those little extra goals.”

Tommila honored

Tommila, now in her 13th year with Bainbridge Island girls lacrosse, has been selected to the Washington State Lacrosse Hall of Fame.

“Being recognized in the coach category is a reflection of these great players and their parents,” Tommila said.

Tommila, who picked up lacrosse when she was 9 years old, competed in three World Cups with the Canadian National Team.

She joined Bainbridge Island girls lacrosse in 1997, and has led Bainbridge to four state titles.

Tommila takes great pride in seeing alumni return to the lacrosse community.

“From their experience with our program they learn to love the game and I think they’re doing the right thing by giving back to a sport that has done wonderful things (for them).”

BHS 17, Snohomish 4:

Jaclyn Biggers (3 goals, 3 assists), Hanna Knotsman (1 goal), Delaney Larkin (1 goal, 1 assist), Kelsey Mackin (5 goals, 1 assist), Helen Sheffer (4 goals), Sydney Whitaker (3 goals, 5 assists).

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