The Ponte Vedra girls’ lacrosse team is heading to the state semifinals after defeating St. Augustine High School, Winter Park High School and Oak Hall School in three regional play-in games to become 2017 FHSAA regional champions.
The Sharks’ final regional game against Oak Hall in Gainesville last week was their most challenging, with Ponte Vedra winning 13-10. Sharks senior All-American and Navy commit Ellie Lecker took control of the game with four goals and an assist, while also securing six important draw controls. University of Virginia commit Sarah Thomasson contributed two goals, and it was her two caused turnovers late in the game that were vital to the team’s win.
Hustle plays in the midfield made by future Davidson commits Tess Reiman and Emma Johnson helped the Sharks find the net multiple times, with Reiman scoring two goals and adding an assist, while Johnson contributed one assist. Freshman attacker Abbey Watson stepped up and scored three goals with two assists. Attackers Catee de Roziere and Caroline O'Neil rounded out the Sharks’ scoring with one goal each.
Sharks coach Karen Healy-Silcott was especially proud of freshman goalie Lexie de Roziere, who accumulated 10 saves. The Ponte Vedra coach also emphasized the importance of senior leadership from Laney McGriff, Amanda Ward, Tess Reiman and Maddie and Ellie Lecker.
“These seniors have led the way through coaching transitions and experience on and off the field,” said Healy-Silcott. “Their selflessness and heart for their teammates has made me so proud to coach them.”
The Sharks will travel to Jupiter High School to battle Orlando’s Bishop Moore High School in the state semifinals on Friday, April 28, at 2 p.m. The finalists will play in the state championship on Saturday, April 29, at 4:05 p.m.
“This team has so much heart,” said Healy-Silcott. “They understand what a combination of hard work, focus and teamwork can achieve. It is such a great feeling as a coach when you realize that your team trusts you and succeeds.”
