In season finale Blazers downed by Patriots

Wootton, May 9-

The Blair girls' varsity lacrosse team suffered a 9-3 defeat at the hands of the Wootton Patriots in their last regular season game. The loss drops Blair's final record for the regular season to 4-8.

The Blazers struggled to get going offensively and were not able to come back from Wootton's early four-goal lead. The Blazers played well against a strong Patriots squad but were not able to control the ball and find the back of the net.

Wootton began the game strong scoring two goals in the opening minutes and would go one to score four unanswered goals. Blair would end Wootton' scoring streak when senior co-captain Lauren Finkel sprinted down the field and fed senior co-captain Erica Nowak cutting in front of the goal who slotted her shot past the goalie. However, Wootton would score once more before the half to go into the break up 5-1.

The second half continued in much of the same fashion for the Blazers. Wootton would score four goals before the Blazers would answer and the game was out of reach. The Blair defense held strong and limited Wootton to only four goals in the second half. With about five minutes left in the game Finkel scored on a speedy move from behind the goal wrapping around the front of the crease. With the score 9-2 and the game winding down, Nowak passed to junior Maddie Driskill who ran around the front of the goal and scored.

Blair's defense played strong all game holding the Wootton offense in check and helping to transition the ball. Seniors Vicky Dean and Christina Ji played well limiting Wootton's shots, playing pestering defense and making well-timed checks. Dean repeatedly sprinted down the field to get the ball on offense and even took a shot. Senior goalkeeper Betsy Costillo made numerous saves and did well with clearing. Driskill helped out from the midfield particularly with her play in transition as she was excellent on clears and provided Blair with much needed possessions.

Blair got three yellow cards in the game including two to senior Alexa Gabriel, which caused her to leave the game, and will force her to miss the first round of playoffs.

Offensively Finkel lead the Blazers with her goal and assist, along with her speed in the midfield. Nowak and Driskill also scored, but the offense was unable to finds its rhythm and scoring touch.

The Blazers will begin the first round of the county playoffs at Einstein on Thursday, May 12. The Blazers defeated Einstein 15-5 during the regular season and hope to repeat their success and advance to the second round.