Western Albemarle girls lacrosse pushed themselves during the regular season, taking on a number of tough out-of-district opponents, more than in past years. That adjustment paid off in a big way as Western found its stride and its pace in time for a tremendous postseason run.
“We played really good teams like Methacton and Annandale and I think being exposed to that high level of competition got us prepared for the competition we faced in the postseason,” said Western defender Hannah Curry.
That run ended at the hands of Woodgrove High Saturday in the Group 4A state final as Western ran into a deep, talented Wolverines squad and a heavy dose of Norah Bowen. The Wolverines’ junior UVa commit poured in six goals and dished out two assists in a strong effort while Woodgrove won 16-8 to take home a state title.
“We did struggle, they’re a very good team, very well-coached,” said Western senior keeper Hamilton Ibbeken. “They were a great opponent.”
Curry and the Warriors’ defense made huge strides throughout the year and put together a stretch in the first half that kept the Warriors in the game. But after the half, Western couldn’t seem to string together stops and when they did, a rash of turnovers prevented them from capitalizing. Western turned the ball over 16 times to Woodgrove’s eight.
Emma Leszczak finished with four goals for the Wolverines and Courtney Oliver notched a hat trick.
While the Warriors were frustrated with the way it finished, they were aware of the strides they made in 2015 with a young roster.
“Today did not really reflect how far we’ve grown as a team,” Ibbeken said. “But I’m so happy to be a part of this team and it makes sad that I’m leaving but I have faith that they’ll totally come back.”
Ibbeken finished with 10 saves on the night. Bella Moriconi and Hanna Schuler finished with two goals each to set the pace for Western offensively as Woodgrove worked hard to clamp down on Ellie Allen and Sammie Magargee, jumping and doubling each of the Warriors’ top scorers frequently. Allen and Magargee each had a goal.
“I’m just really proud of our team, we’re a really young team,” Curry said. “In the beginning of this season, if you were to tell me ‘hey you’re going to be runner-up in states’ I’d have been like ‘are you sure about that.’”
Now the Warriors are sure. And they’ve got a better idea of what it’ll take if they want to repeat this year’s accomplishments and perhaps finish the job.
“We’re expecting to see them again (next year) in a game like this,” said Western coach Tara Hohenshelt.
