Hartland Ladies Lacrosse Headed to State Finals

Updated June 7

By Aaron Skomial

EAGLES GOING TO THE BIG GAME!

The game against Ann Arbor Pioneer was a highly anticipated match up.  Hartland had not faced them this season, and that was probably a good thing.  If they had played them and won, they may have come in overconfident. Hartland has won most of their games this year and usually in convincing fashion.  The playoffs have been a different story.  They had a blow-out win over Huron Valley, a win by one over Brighton, a win by two over Clarkston, and the best result being a 16-11 win over Ann Arbor Pioneer in the semi-final last night.

Hartland jumped out to a four goal lead in the first four minutes of play.  They featured four different scorers and that has been the pattern all season.  In all, Hartland had seven different scorers in this game.  Pioneer fought back with a few goals, but at half time, Hartland led 9-4 and in control of the game.

The defense was stellar with Caci Pippin and Annie Quinn doing the little things that make a big difference in big games. Kayla Hinkle caused some turnovers at critical points in the game to keep Pioneer off the board. Hartland Goalie, Tabitha Ferguson, was on fire between the pipes.  She stopped multiple shots and came out of goal to help on defense to make passing into the critical scoring area very difficult for Pioneer. It’s always nice to have a hot goalie in the playoffs.

The offense didn’t disappoint either. Ryan Skomial led Hartland with five goals and four assists. Natalie Sochaki and Rachael Sharpe followed up with a hat trick each. Haley Crouse had two goals and two assists.  Courtney Lee, Taylor Pryde, and Amber Crouse contributed a goal each.

The time wound down and the Hartland contingency, which was formidable, celebrated the victory with a lot of high fives, hand shakes, and hugs.  The community showed up for the game and it was appreciated by the players and their parents.  It’s an exciting time and these girls deserve the support.  They have worked hard and they have shown a lot of people what Hartland lacrosse is all about, heart.

This team had one goal after last season’s disappointing regional final loss to Brighton in sudden death overtime. They have been driven to winning a state championship.  They felt that they had a good chance last year, but circumstances didn’t let that goal play out.  These girls watched Brighton celebrate a regional championship last year and they were determined that it would be different this season. 

This group of juniors and seniors were the inaugural middle school team that played together in Hartland five years ago.  The chemistry between these girls is uncanny.  They know where each other is on the field without being able to actually see one another.  They “feel” their way to winning.  Most of the girls that started this middle school program together have continued to play together through high school.

Hartland will take on Birmingham United on Saturday at 2pm at Rockford high school for the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP. The girls have worked hard and they will be determined to bring the title home.  Twelve seniors are on this team and they all want to leave a lasting footprint on our community that will inspire other girls to take up the sport.  If you have some free time on Saturday, take a drive to Rockford and support these girls.  They have been special and they deserve to be treated special for all they have accomplished so far. The girls will be focused and driven to bring a title home for our community. One last game for all the marbles.

Go Lady Laxers!

By Tatum Ryan

The Hartland team is on their way to the State finals, a goal set by the team at the beginning of their season.

The r won their first title by beating Clarkston 13-11 on June 2. On the road to their successful season, the team also beat rival Brighton for the first time in history- twice.  

The team will now face Birmingham Seaholm on Saturday in the State final game. The game will be played in Rockford and will be streamed live on MHSAA.tv and FoxSportsDetroit.com starting at 2 p.m.

Come back on Thursday for a recap of Wednesday's game.