The three time defending state champion Birmingham United Girls Varsity Lacrosse team began their title defense with 17-15 victory on March 24th over Ann Arbor Pioneer.
Junior Carly Signorello scored four goals, senior Kate Murray tallied three more goals, and sophomore Christy Wells also capped off the strong night with another three goal performance.
“I was confident we would put good individual players out on the field for our first game,” said BU Head Coach Jen Dunbar.
The BU team started off with a 9-3 lead by halftime. But by the second half, the team started to slip. Losing the draws and fouls caused the team to be tied with Ann Arbor 15-15 with three minutes left.
Murray scored one goal bringing the score up to 16-15. It was then Signorello’s goal that insured the team the win, 17-15.
“It was a really intense time of the game,” said Murray. “We were tied 15-15 so scoring the goal was a huge relief. Then Carly’s goal sealed the deal.”
The outcome of the Ann Arbor came to a shock to some of the players.
“I did not feel too confident about Wednesday’s game only because we just finished tryouts the week before and we only had a few practices before the game,” said junior Julie Woo. “Of course we really worked hard for a win.”
The team only had three practices after the team tryouts, leaving mixed feelings throughout the captains of the team when focusing on the future.
But senior Sarah Norris is still concerned about the team varsity’s experience.
“We have great depth, but at the same time such a young team,” said Norris.
Marian and Rockford who will provide the hardest challenge for BU this season.
Marian, the team’s biggest rival, will prove to be a tough team. BU beat Marian in last year’s State Championship’s Final game, 13-11.
The team is not surrounded by one standout player. The captains though play with a heavier weight on their shoulders.
“Captains Carly Signorello, Kate Murray, Dana Klindt and Calla Glavin as well as Micaela Acomb and Sarah Norris will lead a cast of strong players,” said Dunbar.
The win is their first step towards their fourth state title.
“We’re expecting to have a successful season this year,” said Murray. “No team has ever won four state championships, so that is our goal. But we’re being careful not to be too confident and just playing our best.”
