Blair endures rainy loss to Northwood

On March 23, the Blair girls’ varsity lacrosse team narrowly lost to the Northwood Gladiators at their season opener with a score of 7-8. 

As rain poured down from the gray sky, the Blazers shivered while standing in a line facing the US flag, the national anthem resounding through the stadium. Regardless of the conditions around them, the Blazers were ready to start their season strong. And they did. The girls swiftly advanced the ball towards the goal through the use of their stick skills. Through their teamwork, senior Lauren Berley scored Blair's first goal just under four minutes into the game. 

Blair's defense stayed tough throughout the first half with several blocks from senior goalkeeper Eliza Davis, leaving Northwood scrambling to find openings. However, Northwood's offense eventually managed to score in two consecutive goals, making the score 1-2 and keeping the Blazers on their toes. 

Both teams kept their defense tight throughout the first half and the score stayed relatively even. Junior Megan Gunnulfsen played incredibly well during the first half, scoring three out of Blair's four goals. Despite Blair's solid defense and aggressive offense, Blair was behind Northwood by one goal at halftime. 

Meeting at Halftime

Photo: The team comes together at halftime to discuss play.

The team comes together at halftime to discuss play. Photo courtesy of Ethan Zajic.

In the second half, Blair's goalkeeper Cindy Hernandez made it difficult for Northwood to score goals. Offensively, Gunnulfsen was able to score another goal just one minute into the half, tying the score at 5-5. In spite of Blair's solid defense, the Gladiators gradually widened the gap to a score of 6-8. 

With just five minutes left on the clock, tensions were high as the sounds of cheering and sticks clacking against each other echoed through the stadium. After a couple close shots, the Blazers decreased the lead to one goal after junior Ella Wenger scored the game’s final goal. 

Regardless of their loss, senior Annie Goldman thought the Blazers played a solid game through less-than ideal weather conditions. "I think we played well…there was a lot of fight in us. I'm proud of how we played in there," Goldman said. 

Senior Shiloh Burke, who watched the game from the sidelines as a player on the team, echoed Goldman's sentiments. "The conditions just weren't great. A lot of people couldn't feel their hands, ... so it was a little hard to get things going, but we stayed in there," Burke said. 

The Blair girls' varsity lacrosse team will play their next home game at 7 p.m. on March 28 against Sherwood.