Blazers can't get past the Blue Devils

April 19, Blair Stadium-

The Blair girls' varsity lacrosse team started the game against the cross-town rival Springbrook Blue Devils with a 2-0 lead; however the Blue Devils would come alive scoring seven straight goals in the first half. Blair's attempts at a comeback proved not to be enough as they lost 11-7.

With the loss the Blazers record falls to 2-4 after three consecutive losses. Despite the losing streak the Blazers have been playing well but have struggled with playing a complete game and allowing opposing teams to go on scoring runs.

Junior attack Kiran Belani scored the first two goals of the game, including one off an assist from sophomore Dana Ballard. Belani has returned to the field after an injury and provided the Blazers with a scoring burst. However, Springbrook would respond as they rattled off seven straight goals to finish off the half. Blair had a few long offensive possessions but were unable to find the back of the net and forced a couple passes to the middle. Meanwhile, the Springbrook offense repeatedly drove to the goal and got open looks in front of the cage.

The Blair defense relied heavily on all or nothing checks, which led to several take-a-ways but also to Springbrook players driving to the goal. The Blazers slides on defense were often a bit too late, allowing Springbrook players opportunities to get shots off. Still, seniors Vicky Dean and Christina Ji had several well-timed checks and were instrumental on clears.

In the second half the Blazers stepped up their game and scored the first two goals of the half and would outscore Springbrook in the half 5-4. Junior Diana Frey drove from the midfield and got fouled getting a penalty shot that she buried in the back of the net. Senior co-captains Lauren Finkel and Erica Nowak connected for a goal, something they have been doing all season, as Finkel found Nowak open near the goal who put the ball past the Springbrook goalie.

Blair would never get any closer than three goals as Springbrook answered with a goal of their own and the two teams would exchange goals. A goal midway through the half by junior Maddie Driskill from an assist by Belani brought the score to 8-5. Springbrook countered with three straight goals to ruin Blair's chance of a comeback. In the waning minutes of the game Finkel provided some individual heroics as she scored two unassisted goals, however the game was a bit out of reach for Blair.

The Blazers played well at times but were unable to maintain that level throughout the game. They were hurt by the ability of Springbrook players to drive through the heart of the defense and had trouble getting open looks at the goal on offense. Springbrook senior Anjuli Bakhru was a problem for the Blazers as she powered her way to four goals. Belani and Finkel led the offense with two goals and one assist each, while Nowak, Driskill and Frey each contributed a goal. The Blair players get little rest as instead of being subbed for and resting on the sidelines they move to another position. For example, Finkel's rest is moving from midfield to attack.

Blair next travels to Damascus on Saturday, April 23 at 12:00 p.m. and looks to end their three game slide.