The regular lacrosse season has been completed, on an unfortunate, but hopeful note. The team played the UW-La Crosse Eagles in this final matchup. The final scoreboard showed 7—17, but that does not represent the achievements and impressive moments that occurred despite the loss. The game on April 26 was also the last home game for the seniors on the team. Their hard work and consistency were recognized and appreciated throughout the game.
The Pipers dominated the game early on, maintaining a steady two-goal lead through the midpoint of the opening frame. However, the momentum shifted as the clock wound down; at the 1:14 mark, the Eagles capitalized on their surge to level the score. While the final 10-point margin shows a lopsided end, the scoreboard does not show the effort and ability of this team. For the vast majority of the contest, it was a back and forth battle that remained anyone’s game for a large part of it.
Although the Pipers were up for a section of the first half, it did not last the whole time. With Hamline adding another two goals scored in the first half, and the UW- La Crosse scoring another five goals in the second quarter. Tensions rose in the third quarter with the Pipers scoring another two goals and the Eagles scoring another three. At the start of the fourth quarter, the score was six to 10. However, the Eagles took their slight lead and broke away, adding another seven goals. The Pipers scored one more goal in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough to bridge the gap.
Aside from the loss that occurred, the team also had their senior game. The five seniors were nominated and celebrated for the achievements and traits they held during their time on the team. Seniors Courtney Parker, Sophia Warner, Aoi Suzuki, Millie Grand and Brooke Frederick are all graduating and saying goodbye to the program.
In terms of statistics, the top scorer for the Pipers was junior Ema Rehder, with two of the seven goals. Besides Rehder, there was fellow junior Kayi Starkey, with one goal and one assist. Sophomore Reagan Zywicki also had one goal and one assist. Junior Emma Halweg, sophomore Emma Collins and Suzuki rounded out the scoring with one goal each to reach the final score of seven. Sophomore goalie Lola Brouwer had a total of 12 saves during the competition, playing all 60 minutes of the game.
Next week, the Hamline Lacrosse team will begin the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) playoffs. These games are to be determined soon, including the team that they are against, as well as the time and location of the game.
The Pipers ended regular season play with a 10—5 overall record. With a 3—5 conference record. Placing the team sixth out of the nine WIAC teams. Placed above the Pipers stand the number one seed Colorado College, second UW-River Falls, third UW-La Crosse, fourth UW- Eau Claire, and the College of Saint Benedict. Many of which were close conference play games in the regular season. The upcoming conference games may be a bit unpredictable for the Pipers, but they go in with a positive mindset and high energy.
