Bainbridge wins in streaky LAX contest
Published 11:26 am Friday, April 8, 2016
MERCER ISLAND – It was a cheeky win, to be sure.
The Bainbridge girls lacrosse squad beat Mercer Island 16-9 in a tough nail-biter of a game at Mercer Island High earlier this week.
The Spartans scored the first goal of the game, but fell behind and trailed at halftime, 4-5.
Things changed dramatically during the second half when, despite a near even draw control (Bainbridge 14, Mercer 13), Bainbridge began taking possession of the ball with an uncommon number of caused turnovers and ground balls.
“At halftime, I told the team we need to change our point of attack,” said Spartan Coach Tami Tommila. “Their goalie was left-handed and we were over thinking our shots (on goal) during that first half.
“The girls stayed calm and we kept running and wore them down. We also made adjustments to the defense which enabled us to outscore them 12-4,” she said.
Adding to the excitement of Bainbridge’s second half streak of goals, was a group of four males, clad only in their running shoes and wrestling headgear. The streakers seemed to be the catalyst as Bainbridge ran away with the win, 16-9.
Spartan sophomore Mackenzie Chapman led the scoring with five goals and one assist; senior attackers Sonia Olson and Amy Willerford both had three goals; Kiera Havill and Robin Hilderman had two goals each, and Sophia Hagstromer netted one goal and assist.
The game, however, belonged to the defenders and the midfielders who kept taking the ball away the second half through a coordinated defense of caused turnovers and ground balls.
Robin Hilderman had five caused turnovers and two ground balls for BHS; Katie Usellis and Kiera Havill each had two CTs and Maggie Sweeney had one CT. Usellis had four ground balls; Havill and Chapman each had three; and Sweeney and Hilderman contributed two apiece. Freshman goalie Thuy Lan Ortiz picked up six saves for the Spartans (40 percent).
Mercer was led by Maille Moll’s three goals.
Bainbridge extended its winning streak to 5-0 with the victory.
The next game starts at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 13 against Seattle Prep at home.
