On April 10, the University High School Girls’ Lacrosse team matched up against the Laguna Beach Breakers. After an 8-7 start to the season, the Trojans looked to maintain their winning record.
In the days leading up to the matchup, the Trojans prepared by adopting a more aggressive style of play during practices.
“Mimicking how other teams play really helped us adapt during the game,” senior captain Defne Haytoglu said. “Prior to the game, our defense practiced with more pressure and contact, which helped our attack adapt better during the game.”
At the beginning of the game, the Breakers scored almost immediately, catching the Trojans off balance during a fast break. The Trojans responded by slowing their offense and maintaining possession to create more organized scoring opportunities.
“At the end of the first quarter, it was still a close game,” senior captain Brittney Lim said. “The score was 4-2.”
As the second quarter progressed, Laguna Beach continued to apply pressure with a fast-paced style of play. However, UHS stuck to their game plan and remained composed despite the increase in intensity. The Trojans’ defense adjusted to better defend transition offense by applying tight coverage and by forcing the Breakers into lower-quality shots.
“Selin Haytoglu and Annie Zhang had the greatest impact on the game by faceguarding on defense,” Lim said. “These two players are the defenders we can always count on to stop any drives and transition the ball out quickly and safely.”
Additionally, the Trojans produced on offense by creating isolation opportunities for their offensively skilled attackers. Standout sophomore Ava Pattock, averaging 4.5 goals per game, led the Trojan offense.
“Ava [Pattock] was our highest goal scorer this game,” Lim said. “A combination of speed and pure skill, Ava never fails to impress the team with her drives to goal and impossible shots.”
Although the Trojans played with maximum intensity, it was not enough to defeat the Breakers’ pace. With a final score of 15-6, the Trojans focus on reclaiming a winning record before the end of the season.
“Even with the loss,” junior Ellya Khalili said. “I know my team will work hard to improve our play on both the personal and team levels.”
