by All lacrosse coverage at Kee On Sports is brought to you by MAXIM LACROSSE.
Maxim Lacrosse – https://maximlacrosse.com/ – MAXIM Lacrosse will demand players embody the game by giving and receiving respect and understanding that character counts.
Medina, OH- Last year at this time, Highland’s girls lacrosse team was gearing up for their inaugural season. This year, they start 1-0 with an 11-1 victory over Holy Name. The word historic is thrown around a lot in the sports media world, but this game fits the bill perfectly. Overall, the Lady Hornets set program records for most goals in a game (11), biggest margin of victory (10), and first ever time being above .500.
These records were made possible by a quick start. Freshman Vanessa Demming won the opening draw for Highland. While this was her first varsity game, she looked like a seasoned pro. Karli Schneider got open in front of goal and was able to score off of an excellent pass from Demming. Only 14 seconds ran off the clock before the first horn of the game sounded. Lighting struck twice for the Hornets as Demming won the second draw and progressed the ball up the field once again. Talia Headrick did the rest on her own to give Highland the lead 2-0 in 30 seconds. Following this start, the Green Wave’s defense came alive. Goalkeeper Mairead Kimbrell saw a plethora of shots but did well to keep her hand-eye coordination strong along with her composure. However, the Hornets squeaked one by Kimbrell courtesy of Annie Barnett. Heading into the second quarter, the home team led 3-0.
The second frame saw the defensive battle many expected this game to bring from the start. The only player from either team that got sent to the box was Highland’s Barnett with 5:09 left in the half. with no goals on the board in the second. Once she got out, she reminded Holy Name just how dangerous she is in front of goal, slotting home her second goal of the half. With the score 4-0 in favor of the Hornets, the horn sounded to signal the end of the first half.
If you forgot just how potent Schneider was in front of goal, she reminded you two minutes into the second half with her second goal of the evening. The Green Wave finally got their reply with 7:58 left to play in the third as Jamie Ayala slotted home the ball on a free possession shot. How did Highland reply? With a goal courtesy of Demming 12 seconds later. With 2:38 left in the third, Riley Beyer scored her first goal of the game. With this goal, a player from each grade level scored for the Hornets. Still, the final word of the frame went to Schneider as she completed her hat-trick. With 12 minutes left to play, the Hornets led 8-1.
Kimbrell did all she could in goal to prevent Highland from making history, but the Hornets overall drive and determination won the day. With 3:12 left in regulation, they tied their all-time goals in a game record. Then, Demming broke the record seconds later. To close out the night, Highland added one final goal to give them the double digit win 11-1.
The Hornets had a 2-8-1 record last season, but this team looks reborn and much improved. It may have been cold, but Highland was still red hot. They will host Louisville tomorrow evening for their second regular season game. Holy Name looks to rebound Friday night at Olmsted Falls.
Holy Name Key Players
#19 Jamie Ayala: 1 Goal
#22 Mairead Kimbrell: Many Saves
Highland Key Players
#14 Karli Schneider: 4 Goals
#19 Vanessa Demming: 2 Goals, 3 Assists, Many Draws Won
#22 Annie Barnett: 2 Goals
Players of the Game: Karli Schneider and Vanessa Demming
Special thanks to Highland for their hospitality!
