Blazers burn through the Titans

April 6, Blair-

The Blair Girls' Varsity lacrosse team came alive in the second half and scored eleven straight goals to beat the Einstein Titans 15-5 and improve their record to 1-1. After being down one goal early in the second half the Blazers took control of the game and put on an offensive showcase.

After letting a two goal lead slip away into a one goal deficit, the Blazers played up to their potential in the second half and dominated the Titans in all aspects of the game. Blair controlled the ball on offense, transitioned in the midfield and played solid defense.

Senior co-captain Lauren Finkel was outstanding as she notched a double hat trick, six goals, and stepped up to put the Blazers in control of the game. After scoring one goal in the first half she netted five goals in the second including a tricky over the shoulder shot off a feed from senior co-captain Erica Nowak. However, Finkel wasn't the only Blazer who had an outstanding game on offense as two other Blazers scored hat tricks. Nowak netted three goals and two assists as she scored several vital goals to help Blair pull away from Einstein. Junior Diana Frey also had an offensive outburst scoring three goals and was key in transition.

The game opened up with Blair scoring early off a penalty shot by senior Alexa Gabriel who was playing out of her normal defensive position and showed some offensive prowess. However, Einstein would counter with two unanswered goals. The senior tandem of Nowak and Finkel would step up and score a goal each. Sophomore Dana Ballard then extended the Blair lead to 4-2 on a penalty shot. However, the Blazers would let their guard down and allow the Titans to score two quick goals in the final two minutes to tie the game.

After letting Einstein score the first goal of the second half, Blair's defense shut down the Einstein attack. Playing without senior Vicky Dean because she received a red card in the previous game, the Blazers adapted well and were able to overcome a few lapses. Senior Christina Ji led the defense with several key checks and heroic runs up the field. She had an assist to Nowak in the second half. Senior Betsy Costillo played well in goal making several nice saves.

Blair tied the game at five on a goal by Finkel assisted by Nowak and took the lead after junior defender Julie Spatz cleared the ball to Nowak for a goal. Blair never looked back as their offense hit full speed. Frey scored an unassisted goal followed by two penalty shots by Finkel after she was checked near the head. By then the Blazers had a four-goal lead and the game safely under control. Junior Maddie Driskill would add a goal towards the end of the game after having a strong game in the midfield.

Nowak felt like the team improved greatly between the first and second half. " In the second half we worked on transition. We were calmer on offense and started making passes and seeing the open players," said Nowak.

The Blazers next take the field at Watkins Mill on Sat., April 9 at 10:00 a.m. and look to improve to a winning record.