For a two-game stretch to start Region 4A West tournament play, Western Albemarle’s girls lacrosse team faces win-or-go-home tests.
One down. One more to go.
The Warriors moved within a game of clinching a state final four berth with a rainy 13-5 victory over Hanover Wednesday night. Despite playing much of the second half in an all-out downpour, the Warriors kept the pressure on the Hawks, extending their lead throughout the second half.
“We were all working well and having a ton of fun — we were kind of using the rain to get us all hyped and get us into it,” said Western sophomore Annie Meenan.
The Warriors (11-6) got four goals and two assists from Hanna Schuler to lead the way offensively while Mady Starsia and Kira Repich each chipped in two goals and an assist. Anne Patterson, Joie Funk, Reid Ferguson, Anna Kreienbaum and Marlena Flynn each had one goal as Western continued to lean on a balanced offensive approach like they did in the Warriors’ win over Monticello earlier this week in the conference title game.
Western had some familiarity with the Hawks, having beaten them 13-6 back in late March.
“We came into it knowing they’ve changed and improved as a team,” Meenan said. “It was about coming in and playing our hardest knowing they would too. We both wanted this win.”
Catherine Adams finished with four saves for the Warriors while Hanover keeper Olivia Hunter had 17 stops while facing a barrage of shots from Western. Ciara Swarth led the Hawks with two goals.
Western will play in the Region 4A West semifinals Tuesday with a state final four berth on the line.
