Celebration

By Aaron Skomial

The Hartland women’s lacrosse team had a check list of sorts when they entered the 2012 season.  After losing to Brighton in the regional final last year in sudden death, beating them this year was near the top of the list.  On Friday night, that was crossed off of the “to do” list with a 15-13 win. The next item on the list is to win a state championship.

This game was an epic battle.  The kind of game you expect from rivals. The game featured both teams exchanging goals, fouls, and stemming the tide of momentum when it was needed.  I have seen games similar to this, but the best comparison is Ali vs. Frazier.  Both of these teams respect one another and they are prepared to play hard.  

The first half featured Hartland striking first and then two more times before Brighton struck back.  Brighton continued until it was tied at three.  After the first tie, the teams would be tied several more times, including a half time score of 8-8. Both teams played well and it led to a stalemate between two motivated teams.

When two teams are this evenly matched, what makes the difference? Outstanding play and adjustments made at half time.  Brighton made adjustments to slow down Haley Crouse of Hartland.  She was able to score five goals in the first half.  She managed just one in the second half.  Hartland fixed some things on defense to slow down the Brighton attack. 

Outstanding play was the last factor in this scenario.  Hartland’s goalie, Tabitha Ferguson, was almost a brick wall in the second half. With almost eight minutes left in the game, she managed to turn shots away, knock down passes, and help on defense to keep Brighton’s attackers at bay.

When the final whistle had blown, the girls and fans from Hartland erupted into celebration.  With twelve seniors on this team, they had never beaten Brighton.  Haley Crouse led all scorers with six goals and an assist.  Ryan Skomial followed her with four goals and an assist.  These two girls are captains on this team and they wanted to make sure that this group of seniors walked away with a win.  Rachel Gibbs scored two goals to keep momentum in Hartland’s favor at critical junctures of the game.   Rachael Sharpe, Amber Crouse, and Natalie Sochaki rounded out the scoring with a goal each.

The parents from Hartland formed a tunnel at the end of the game and the players from Hartland ran through giving high –fives and smiling from ear to ear.  The cheering section continued to chant Hartland while the players hugged each other and celebrated the highlight of the season to date.  Hartland plays Ann Arbor Huron on Monday in Ann Arbor at 7pm on Monday night.  Hartland is ranked #1 and Ann Arbor Huron is ranked #4 in Division 1.  It should be another great lacrosse game.