Ranked second in the state, the girls lacrosse team had their sights set on a first-ever state title, but a loss to Vero Beach on May 3 ended the team’s playoff run. Despite beating Vero Beach at the beginning of the season 15-8, the team fell to them on May 3, 5-6. Attacker Stacy Glover led the team with two goals, while seniors Madison Rogers, Ellie Wilkins, and Haley Thomas scored one goal each.

“We didn’t want the game or our season to end that way, and it was really difficult to accept that we had just lost after the great season we had. It was just really a disappointing and upsetting way to end our season, ” Glover said.

It was a fast-paced and aggressive first half, leading to Hagerty getting four yellow cards. At halftime, the team was down 3-4.

Despite the fast-paced first half, the team was able to tie the game up 5-5 during the second half down a man, which only added to the poor conditions of the game.

“We needed to value possession of the ball and work on our shot placement. Our communication was just off because of the pressure, and we rushed into a lot of our plays causing them to not work,” Glover said.

Goalie Emma Rasmussen had five saves during the game, but the team ultimately fell due to a shot with one second left by Vero.

“It was really upsetting because it was the last game that we will ever play together, and it was a game that we could’ve won but crucial mistakes got the best of us. It was a make-or-break game and we fell short,” goalie Emma Rasmussen said.

While little mistakes were the team’s downfall, the connection that they created on the field was unlike seasons previous.

“Most of us have been playing together for multiple years and are genuinely friends with each other. We work so well together on the field and that connection made us stronger,” Rasmussen said.

This year, the team worked together during practice to create a strong chemistry on the field, which led to their record of 20-4.

“I think our bond this year was different than any year I have been playing here. It really showed on the field with how we played, and in turn, made us have a successful season because of it,” Glover said.

Even though the season might not have ended how they would have liked, it was still one of the best seasons the team has ever had.

“This team was significant because of their experience. We had a quality group of seniors that desired greatness and were willing to push themselves to make it far during the season. It’s a shame they came up short,” coach Mitch Whittington said.