The Arrowhead girls lacrosse program has become the model for teams throughout Wisconsin by riding the experience of its upperclassmen leadership.
But this season, the Warhawks leaned heavily on their freshman class. So, naturally, it took an overtime goal by freshman attacker Kylee Manser to defeat Whitefish Bay/Nicolet/Shorewood, 6-5, to keep Arrowhead’s undefeated Classic 8 record intact for its 11th conference title in 12 season.
“Personally, I get emotional about it,” Arrowhead coach Tom Truttschel said. “We have the youngest team we’ve ever had with four freshmen. I haven’t had a freshman on this team since 2012. So what we’ve got coming up in terms of talent is tremendous.”
Manser may be young for the Arrowhead varsity squad, but she has talent to spare. She and classmate Erin Rivard are members of Team Wisconsin, an elite group of about 20 athletes representing the state nationwide.
WNS took a 3-2 lead into halftime, but Arrowhead opened up the second half with three unanswered goals. Arrowhead junior middie Coryn Tomala capped off the run a goal of the game at 16 minute, 33 seconds in the second half.
Sophomore middie Lauren Flemma tied the game at five for WNS by scoring two of her three goals in the second half, depositing the equalizer with 9:57 left in regulation.
The teams held each other in check until Manser scored the game winner with 1:17 left to play in overtime.
“I think it’s really awesome just knowing we can rely on [the freshmen] all the time, and they are going to make us better, too,” said Arrowhead junior middie Jacklyn Batley, who scored the Warhawks’ fourth goal of the game in the second half.
Despite the loss, WNS coach Meredith Donaldson knows her team is ready to take the next step after watching the Wolfpack keep pace with Arrowhead.
“In large part, there are some fundamental things we need to work on as a team to continue to grow,” she said. “I just expect that we’ll get them when it counts – in the state championship.”
WNS senior goalie Lia Oren finished the game with 13 saves. Junior goalie Abby Rick saved seven shots for Arrowhead.
Each week WisconsinLacrosse.com will highlight a select game from around the State of Wisconsin. Made possible by a donation from Home Instead Senior Care
