Sochaki Leads Eagles to Victory over Bulldogs

By Aaron Skomial

The post season has begun for the women’s lacrosse team.  

They disposed of Huron Valley last week in convincing fashion and in order to keep going, they had to get by Brighton last night. The weather was perfect and the end result was perfect for the Eagles. A tough game was played by both teams, but Hartland defeated Brighton for the second time this season by a score of 10-9.

Brighton and Hartland have always had a healthy rivalry and this game proved to be another classic. Brighton scored the first goal of the game and then Hartland reeled off four straight goals inducing Brighton to call a time out and stop the bleeding. The timeout gave the women from Hartland an opportunity to reinforce what was working, scoring.

Natalie Sochaki was aggressive and made the most of the scoring opportunities.  She scored three goals in the first half and helped establish a clear message.  Hartland was determined to win this game.  Hartland continued to dominate the first half with more scoring and a defense that wouldn’t give Brighton anything easy. At the end of the first half Hartland was leading 6-3. 

The second half would be a much different story. Hartland came out strong and put Brighton down by five. The ensuing possessions by Hartland featured patience on offense and some unforced errors.  Brighton made the most of their second time out and started capitalizing on the turn overs. Brighton clawed their way back to within one goal. 

The score was 9-8 and Hartland senior, Courtney Lee, came up with a draw control and raced to the scoring area. On her way there, she was fouled and was given a free shot. The shot was bounced by the Brighton goalie for a 10-8 lead.

Hartland continued to fight and Brighton was matching the intensity.  Brighton gained control and fired a shot to make the game 10-9 with just over a minute left in the game.  Both teams fought for ground balls and the defense hustled to turn away the Bulldogs.  The ball was moved up the field and Hartland maintained control until the clock ran out.

Natalie Sochaki was fantastic on the day scoring five goals.  Ryan Skomial followed up that effort with three goals. Haley Crouse and Courtney Lee added one goal each.  The defense was phenomenal and Tabitha Ferguson, the Hartland goalie, was as nimble as a cat in the goal. Last year’s double overtime sudden death loss to Brighton has been vanquished. Three more games to win all the marbles.  They will take it one game at a time, but this team is special.

The next opponent will be Clarkston or Grand Blanc for the regional final. 

The game will be played at 10am at Lake Orion. Parents, friends, and the community are more than welcome to come and support the team.