Going into regionals with the best record they’ve had in school history, the varsity girls lacrosse team was ready to break last year’s record of losing in the regional quarterfinals and make it to the semis. The girls were able to get the job done, defeating South Fork High School 10-4 at their field in Stuart, Fla. April 20.
At this point in the season, it’s win or go home, so every win is vital to keep the season going. Last year, the team earned the seventh seed in the region due to a few losses, but this year, Heritage was able to snag the five seed. This is the furthest the girls lacrosse program has ever reached and the best ranking they have ever earned, coming in at eleventh in the state in the girls 1A bracket. South Fork is currently ranked tenth, so this win was helpful rankings-wise.
The game started on a high note due to two goals within the first three minutes by sophomore midfielder Zoe Horwitz thanks to “draw controls” won with help from midfielders sophomore Luna Mancuso and senior Uliana Petlyakov. Later in the game, Mancuso scored one goal, Horwitz reached a total of four and Petlyakov had two goals and an assist. By halftime, the score was 6-3 in favor of the Patriots.
“I came prepared to give it my all. I wasn’t ready for it to be my last high school game ever. From winning the draws to scoring goals, I just played the game and encouraged my teammates. We have never come this far and I wouldn’t want to do it with any other team,” Petlyakov said.
Strong defense — especially from sophomore goalie Jaiden Bomar who had a 76% save rate (13 out of 17 shots) — allowed the offense to continue striking. By the end of the game, senior Valeria Fernandez Boidi scored one goal, junior Courtney Lesser scored two goals and eighth grader Hanna Lubowitz scored one as well.
“I thought the game went very well but [the other team] was violent with the pushing. I also think I could’ve saved one of the goals, but other than that I think I played well and defense played well,” Bomar said.
The varsity girls lacrosse team continues their season in the regional quarterfinals away versus American Heritage Boca-Delray next Tuesday, April 25 at 7 p.m.
