Defending Division II girls lacrosse champion Flint Powers traveled to Rockford to take on the Rams in a battle between two of 2009′s elite teams. The game went back and forth over both halves with the Rams trailing early 3-1, at the half by one, down 7-6, and midway through the second half 10-8. Each time, the Rams were able to answer as they kept their resolve.
The Rams had to fight through back-to-back yellow cards that had them playing down two players for almost two minutes. The Rams’ defense held strong, only surrendering one goal during that time and scoring a short-handed goal of their own.
Rockford Coach Neerken stated, “Our defense won that game with the play during the penalty, and with their smothering defense in the last two minutes preventing Powers from getting off the tying shot.”
The entire defensive effort led by Alyssa Neumen, Lexi O’Connor, Roxy Rosema, Kelly McCabe, Jill Fowle and Emily Gray gave the potent Ram offense time to find their stride. Kelsei Streeter also played well off the bench, helping to kill the Ram penalties.
Gabby Twiest continued her strong play in the nets for Rockford with 10 saves, including two penalty shot saves.
The Powers defense tried to shut down the Ram attack, but the teamwork of Michon Moline,Abbey Neerken, Taylor Hiner and Taylor Balch drew the attention of the defense to open the scoring lanes for Andi Raymond and Meagan Emery.
According to Coach Emery, “The level of teamwork did not show in the stat book tonight. The hard work keeping the ball in our scoring zone late in the game, and opening the lane for our give-and-go was a total team effort.”
Raymond ended with seven goals and three assists. Emery had five goals and two assists, and Moline chipped in an assist to complete the Ram victory, 12-11.
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