Injuries to key starters and steamy weather conditions could have been a recipe for an upset in the second-round matchup between Franklin and Arrowhead White girls lacrosse teams.
But the healthy Sabers – the No. 4 team in the state – managed to step up for injured starters sophomore Kendra Haselow and senior Bella Barnard and soundly defeated the Lady Warhawks 12-4. The Sabers advance to host Waunakee Saturday.
“It’s really hot and we’re a bit low on numbers,” coach Jill Kyhn said. “For us to be running a limited number of girls in this heat, we played unbelievably well.”
Franklin (13-3) jumped out to a big lead in the first half and never looked back. Sophomore middie/attack Jillian Krueger led the charge, scoring four of her game-high five goals in the first half. Senior middie/attack Allie Marion scored three goals in the game, as well.
“We played really disciplined ball, which is critical, especially when you’re low on subs in this heat,” Kyhn said. “When we get off to a good start, we tend to stay good. It builds so much confidence.”
Along with Krueger and Marion’s scoring barrage, Kyhn credited the players who filled in admirably for Haselow and Barnard. Haselow tore her ACL against Mukwonago May 10, and Barnard twisted her ankle representing Team Wisconsin on the East Coast over Memorial Day weekend.
In Barnard’s place, senior Brianna Tobin stepped up to play significant minutes at middie – a position she hadn’t played much this year. Sophomore Lauren Schwartz pitched in, as well, by stepping into the draw circle versus Arrowhead White (5-10) without missing a beat.
“We have a bunch of players that can play multiple positions,” Marion said. “So for us seniors, that was a big role they had on their shoulders, and we appreciate it a lot.”
Despite the heat and the shortened bench, the Sabers pulled out the victory to extend the season for at least one more game for the outgoing Kyhn and the class of 2018. Even though they earned the No. 4 seed and a first-round bye, the Sabers want to prove they are among the state’s elite programs.
“There were a bunch of things that happened this season where people were overlooking us,” Krueger said. “We’re excited to show what we’re made of and what Franklin lacrosse has to offer.”
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