News Summary

The Essex High School girls lacrosse team has reached the championship game for the first time after a thrilling semifinal victory over South Burlington. With a record-breaking season that includes an impressive 16-1 record, the Hornets are ready to compete for the state title against Champlain Valley. Standout performances from players like Breya Montague and Elizah Martin helped secure their spot in this historic match, showcasing the team’s determination and driving excitement within the community.

Essex Girls Lacrosse Team Makes History with Championship Game Berth

Essex, Vermont – The excitement is palpable in Essex this week as the girls lacrosse team gears up for the championship game after a stunning semifinal victory against South Burlington. With a record-breaking season under their belts, the Hornets are buzzing with anticipation as they head into their first-ever championship match!

Breaking Records and Setting Standards

Essex High School’s girls lacrosse team has truly outdone themselves this season, shattering their previous program record for wins by mid-May. And while they faced a tough loss in their regular-season finale against Champlain Valley, this experience has only fortified their focus and determination. Coach Skip Harris described this setback as a “humbling” moment that allowed the girls to regroup and come back stronger.

A Semifinal to Remember

Essex (16-1) took on No. 4 South Burlington in the Division I semifinals, and what a thrilling match it was! The Hornets triumphed 14-11, sending them straight to the championship game—a feat that no previous Essex team has accomplished. This match was packed with action right from the start. South Burlington struck first with a goal from Elise Smith within the first minute, setting the tone for an intense game.

However, the Hornets quickly responded with an offensive onslaught of their own! Within just over a minute, Essex scored three goals, establishing their dominance early on. The first quarter saw Essex take a commanding 7-2 lead, with Addison Stratton netting a goal just seconds before the quarter ended. What a nail-biter for fans!

Standout Performances

Two players stole the show during this thrilling semifinal: senior star Breya Montague and freshman sensation Elizah Martin. Montague dominated the draw circle, winning 17 of her 26 attempts while contributing four goals and two assists. Not to be outdone, Martin matched her with four goals and two assists of her own, showcasing her remarkable talent early in her high school career.

Besides these two standout players, Jillian Goulette, Addison Stratton, and Emily Stempek also made significant contributions, each scoring two goals. And let’s not forget about senior captain and goalie Sierra Harris, who was instrumental in her team’s success, making a whopping nine saves during the game. Talk about an impressive performance!

A Close Call at the Finish

As the game progressed, Essex continued to extend their lead, climbing to a comfortable 14-7 advantage. However, South Burlington wasn’t ready to give up just yet. They rallied in a late-game push, scoring four goals in a row and closing the gap to 14-11. Despite the tense final moments, Essex held on for the win, pumping up the crowd and sending the fans into a frenzy!

Looking Ahead to Sunday

The championship match is set against No. 2 Champlain Valley (15-2) and is scheduled for Sunday at 4 p.m. at the University of Vermont’s Virtue Field. Fans are buzzing with excitement, and the sense of community pride is at an all-time high. The Essex girls are not just playing for themselves; they’re representing their school and community in a remarkable way!

With the championship within reach, Essex is poised to make their mark in history. Will they bring home the state championship? The entire community will be cheering them on, and there’s no doubt that the Hornets will give it everything they’ve got!

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