Freeman girls lacrosse rolls to sixth straight state title game; boys' late rally falls short

The motto of Douglas Freeman’s girls lacrosse team, "Unbreakable," proved itself in the state semifinals against Stone Bridge on Tuesday night. 

“Unbreakable works for us, because we were saying that even if we win or lose, our culture and what we believe in and our mission would not be broken,” coach Christina D’Angelo said. 

The Mavericks shut out the visitors until the fourth quarter, only allowing one tally in a 14-1 romp. 

Mikaela Gilbert was able to find the ball throughout the game, and used that control as an opportunity to connect with her teammates. She had two assists and a goal in the second quarter, and lead the team with four total goals. 

“I think taking a second and having control of the offense helps me personally feel calm,” Gilbert said. “Knowing that my teammates trust me with that, and especially just seeing that ball go in, resets and makes everything flow.” 

The Mavericks tacked on six goals in the second quarter to go into the half 9-0. 

Continuing their shutout in the third quarter, VCU commit Hannah Kantanen brought the score to 10-0 to enact a running clock. 

Two more brought the score to 12-0 before the final 12 minutes, lengthening the deficit for the Bulldogs. 

Gilbert said that the momentum from halftime carried into the later quarters.

“Definitely after our halftime, we just knew that if we kept going, we'd be state finalists again,” she said. 

To keep the shutout, goalkeeper Inna Erbe held down the defense. 

D’Angelo said the goalkeeper "thrives under pressure” and keeps getting better every year.

“The shutout for that long – incredible,” D’Angelo said. “She’s such a work horse, she's so humble, and just she always gets better at this point every year.” 

D’Angelo also tells her team to focus on the defensive side of the game, which gives them more opportunities to keep control of the ball.

“To see them working that hard defensively was so cool,” D'Angelo said.

Already up 13-0, Stonebridge's lone goal came in the fourth quarter with 3:30 to go. However, a last goal from Kantanen pushed Freeman to the state finals. 

D’Angelo said that going to the state title game has been different each of the last six years.

“The combination of kids is so different, and there's always kids on the team that have never been there, they bring that magic, because they're so hopeful,” D’Angelo said. “We want to do it for [the new members of the team]. We want them to get there with us and to experience it, so it does feel different every year.” 

The Mavericks will face Riverside on Saturday for a chance at the state title. 

Fourth quarter surge ultimately isn't enough for Freeman boys

Directly following the girls' victory, the boys played their semifinal game, also against Stone Bridge, but lost 12-8.

The Mavericks had a packed stadium to support them. 

“I will put our atmosphere here up against any other lacrosse team in town,” coach John Neal said. “I don't think there's any question. So, it meant a lot for us to be here.” 

A two-goal run by Evan Diers gave the boys team an early lead, but was broken by Southbridge's Cole Leier. However with 2:06 left in the first, the Mavericks pushed ahead to a two-goal lead with a score from Ben Rader.

Rader also scored with six seconds left in the first half, trimming a deficit.

“I thought it would re-energize us and give us some momentum going into the second half,” Neal said. 

But a struggle with possession in the third quarter led to a four-goal run that shut out the Mavericks. 

“Possessions were tough, particularly in the third quarter,” Neal said. “We did not have a lot of possession time, but credit to (Stone Bridge). They play very aggressive, well-conditioned, they play faster.” 

Rader came back in the fourth with 6:09 on the clock to end the drought and start a 4-0 run, but ultimately Freeman couldn't catch up.

With one of his largest senior classes last season, Neal said this year's players stepped to “fill big shoes from last year.”

“Several of them stepped up on the field as players and contributors, but a couple guys stepped up as vocal leaders, and it was great,” Neal said.

“This is an experience these guys will keep with them forever, and those that are coming back, we're just gonna dial in and work a little harder.”