IRVINE- Even though the Lady Patriots went into their first home game, on Tuesday, March 13, with a record of 1-0, they knew their lacrosse game against Foothill would be challenging. Goalkeeper, Freshman Callie LaFlam, #23, explained her nerves prior to the match: “I am nervous because I played Hewes [a feeder school to Foothill] last year on the Pioneer team. I know I’m in for a challenge today. My mindset is to win, but more importantly to play a really good game and have fun." She continued, "we [the Varsity Beckman Lacrosse Team] know they’re one of the best teams in the league, and it’s only our second game of the season.” The team, led by Coach Mathis, Coach Fischel, and Coach McClellen, is one of the most diverse teams on campus, with numerous Freshmen and no Seniors. One of these many skilled Freshmen, Ashley Miller, #13, who usually plays defensive wing or point, shared her feelings before the competition, “All the older girls came and helped out the new girls, and that really brought us together. We all love the game of lacrosse, and we all like playing together. I know we’re going to work our hardest to try and beat them.”

Though, as Callie and Ashley expressed, the team felt threatened by Foothill’s reputation, they played a fierce game. The game began with the draw, in which Beckman’s Fiona Lee, #8, stole the ball. The ball remained in Beckman’s possession, as Viveca Taylor, #6, passed to Kelsey Thomas, #15, who shot and scored! Only minutes into the game and Beckman was dominating. Soon, after a failed shot by Beckman, Foothill began to fight back, tying the game at 1-1. Ten minutes into the game, team captains Nikki Sanderson, #4, and Nicole Muller, #5, inspired the team to push themselves. Rachel Brown, #18, intercepted Foothill’s pass, but is fouled by Foothill. Beckman team members on the benches erupted in cheers! After ball-handling towards the goal, Foothill shot twice, but missed the first attempt, and goalkeeper Callie LaFlam, #23, blocked the second. As the two teams battled for the ball, Brooke Thornton, #14, stepped off-side; Foothill received possession of the ball. Foothill traveled up the field, eventually shooting at LaFlam, who blocked yet another shot. The Foothill players cradled their way up the court, cutting and dodging their way past the Beckman defense. Foothill shot and scored, charging ahead with a score of 2-1. After a time-out, Foothill received the ball, quickly making their way up the field to score with a low shot. As half-time is called, Foothill is in a close lead with a score of 3-1. Beckman received the ball after the draw, shot, but missed. Beckman illegally checked the goalie, and the goalie was given the ball. Fiona Lee, #8, then scored, bringing the score to 3-2; Foothill was still in the lead, but Beckman was gaining momentum. Foothill made another goal, and the score changed to 4-2. Patriot Ashley Boling, #11, who played center for the second half, dodged her way across the field, cradling towards the goal. Scoring, she set the tone for four more Patriot goals. The Patriot offense dominated the competition! The game ended with an unexpected score of 7-5, Patriots beating the Knights.

Coach Mathis explained her euphoria after the victory: “I think the team performed above all expectations! The coaches were definitely very excited. The team maintained good composure around the twelve-meter fan and played very aggressively. It was our desire to win that pulled us through.” Support Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse by attending their next home game, Tuesday, March 20, against Tustin High School.