A freshman stole the show on Senior Night for the Rockford girls lacrosse team, as Erica Neumen led the Rams to victory over the Pioneers from East Grand Rapids (EGR) with five goals.
The Rams were never challenged, jumping out to a quick lead that grew to 10-4 at the half. Rockford set a blistering pace behind Neumen, senior Andi Raymond and Neumen’s older sister Alyssa, and were never threatened as they earned their second consecutive OK Rainbow Division I co-championship. The Rams once again share the title with Catholic Central, who they split games with for the third consecutive year to each finish 5-1 in conference play.
Finding the net for the Rams were Meagan Emery, Taylor Hiner, Kelsei Streeter, Katie Bean, Taylor Balch and Karly McQueen in addition to Raymond and the Neumen sisters.
EGR struggled to move and control the ball all game due to the pesky defense by the Rams. Lexi O’Connor and Abbey Neerken along with Raymond, Emery and seniors Kelly McCabe and Jill Fowle frustrated the Pioneers all night long with their speed and attacking style of play.
Coach Neerken stated, “It was definitely one of our best overall team performances of the year, especially on defense. We need to play this way the rest of the year to contend for the state title.”
The Lady Rams have 10 seniors on their roster, and all saw action on Senior Night as the parents and players were honored in pre-game festivities. Senior Katie Bean did double duty, scoring a goal and playing the National Anthem on her trumpet.
Rockford is finishing their non-conference season with trips to Okemos and Flint Powers. Their regional starts May 27 with a cross-town battle against Forest Hills, who is hosting the regional games this year.
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