BACK-T0-BACK STATE CHAMPIONS!
It was a glorious day for mothers, daughters and Maverick fans, as, for the second year in a row, St. John's triumphed over Cy Fair in the State Championship game. In an incredible game that tested the wills of both teams, the Mavericks held on for an exhilarating one-goal win!
The third time was the charm - AGAIN! As in 2010, St. John's had lost to Cy Fair twice during the season, but as they say, it's hard to beat a good team three times. Upon reflection, the first loss to Cy Fair during the regular season was a turning point for the Mavericks. It was then, on one of the last days of March, that the Mavericks travelled out 290 not knowing quite what they'd find. They were still stinging from an embarrassing loss to EHS just a week before, and there they were, facing perennial powerhouse Cy Fair. Yet when they took the field, something special happened. Feeling the freedom of having nothing to lose, they played as a team and most importantly, they had fun. They took the stunned Maidens to OT before they lost, but they left that field knowing in their hearts that they WERE a good team, that they DID have what it takes to be a champion. The rest was up to them. While many counted the Mavericks out as having a rebuilding year, the Mavs just kept working hard, kept believing in themselves.
Fast forward to Sunday, May 8th. Deja vu - again - for the Mavericks! A year ago, they'd faced the Iron Maidens at State and had come out on top by a six-goal advantage. This year, however, it would come down to a true test of wills.
Caroline Gibson got the Mavs on the board first with a great shot just two minutes into the contest. The Maidens answered back twice, taking the lead. Jess Carroll evened things up at 2-2 with fifteen minutes to go in the half, and Amanda Leavell put the Mavs up just a minute later. Defenses then took over, as the next ten minutes saw no scoring, and only stellar goalie play and team defense by both teams. Kelsey Duncombe-Smith was on fire for a second weekend in a row, turning back shot after shot (13 saves on the day, several at point blank range). Sarah Duncan, Lily Bernicker, Alexa Mullins, Sarah Cordill and Natalie Plummer were a stalwart defensive unit, holding the Maidens to just three goals in the entire first half. On the other end of the field, The Maverick midfield and attack were working hard to generate quality scoring chances, and, most importantly possessing the ball for almost 7 minutes. Sarah Urdahl notched SJS goal #4 to break the 10-minute scoring drought, but Cy Fair had an answer, pulling back within one. With 0:39 seconds remaining in the half, Grace Dennis scored a terrific goal, faking out the Cy Fair keeper and putting the Mavs up 5-3 going into the break.
The Mavs set the tone for the second half by scoring first, on a super transition goal that started when Kelsey made a save. Sarah Cordill scooped up the rebound and quickly passed it upfield to Sarah Duncan, who then hit Martha Daniel, who turned on her jets and covered about 20 yards before passing the ball right into Urdahl's stick. SUrdahl beat the keeper on the 1v1 shot. The Maidens answered back, however, refusing to let the Mavs build on their lead. Seconds later, Amanda snagged a draw control and took off down field, slamming in another goal. The Maidens again crept within one, but Gibby scored again to pull away by two. After another Cy Fair goal, Gibby got a hat trick off a dazzling free position shot to make it 9-8 and force a Cy Fair timeout. With just under five minutes remaining, the Iron Maidens tied it up at 9, showing their resolve and refusing to break. The battle for possession reached a crescendo. Neither team was willing to give. The Maidens gained precious possession, but an errant pass was picked up by a quick Daniel, who got the ball down to the attacking end. Again, the Mavericks lost possession, and one of Cy Fair's All-American seniors raced off with the ball. Alexa matched her stride for stride, while Amanda stalked her from behind. When Amanda stripped the ball from her with a little over two minutes left in the game, the crowd cheered their hearts out, giving the TEAM the boost it needed. The Mavs got the ball back into their attacking end, and Grace drew a free position shot. She left no doubt who was in control as she nailed the go-ahead goal.
On the ensuing draw, Urdahl won yet another possession, and in less than 30 seconds Robby Rybarczyk would hit the game winning shot - a perfectly placed laser into the high left corner. HOWEVER, it is worth noting that in less than 30 seconds, Urdahl won the draw clean, passed back to Lily, who passed over to Cordill, who passed upfield to Jess, who got the ball to Robby, who nailed the shot. Talk about a true team effort!! How fitting for this team that works as one, to have the winning goal be such a group effort: 26 seconds, 5 players, 1 winning shot!! The ENORMOUS Maverick crowd erupted in cheer, giving the Mavs yet another huge boost!
With 1:44 remaining on the clock, this savvy team knew the game was far from over, and they vowed to fight til the end. Cy Fair was able to score with 0:22 seconds remaining. Urdahl, as she has done at clutch time the past three weeks, came through again on the ensuing draw, winning the final possession, passing it quickly to Jess, who was able to run out the clock. Game over! STATE CHAMPIONS!!!
To our fans: WOW!! Thank you ALL for coming - former captains Olivia Flores, Krissy Incavo, Lacey Rybarczyk and Joan Scheirman; all the former parents - so great to see each of you! SJS students, friends, family, SJS faculty, mothers, grandmothers, neighbors...EVERYONE was amazing! That had to have been the largest crowd ever gathered for an SJS girls' lacrosse game, and you couldn't have picked a more exciting game to see! We so appreciated your support. What a great day for SJS!
The coaches are so proud of this amazing group of 22 young women. A "teamier" team one may not find! Everyone put the TEAM first - from those who saw the least playing time to our stand-outs who did it for the team's glory, not their own. Indeed, when looking back on the blur that was yesterday's game, it was such a team effort - starting with defense who tirelessly battled the talented Cy Fair attack; to midfield who, for their third game in 90+ degree heat, ran up and down the field, giving it their all for their team. Attack, who unselfishly created space for team mates, backed up shots, worked to possess when their defense needed a break, and put in goals when their team needed them most. Our bench, who seamlessly jumped in to help on the field and provided uplifting support and encouragement off of it.
You all have grown so much this season. You've believed in eachother and in yourselves. You've remained positive when you could have gone the other direction. You've worked your tails off. You've worked as a TEAM. You are a very, very special group. It has been a true pleasure to have been part of this wild and magical ride!
WE ARE PROUD OF YOU, 2011 MAVERICKS: SPC AND STATE CHAMPIONS!! YOU CAN'T TOP THAT!!
The third time was the charm - AGAIN! As in 2010, St. John's had lost to Cy Fair twice during the season, but as they say, it's hard to beat a good team three times. Upon reflection, the first loss to Cy Fair during the regular season was a turning point for the Mavericks. It was then, on one of the last days of March, that the Mavericks travelled out 290 not knowing quite what they'd find. They were still stinging from an embarrassing loss to EHS just a week before, and there they were, facing perennial powerhouse Cy Fair. Yet when they took the field, something special happened. Feeling the freedom of having nothing to lose, they played as a team and most importantly, they had fun. They took the stunned Maidens to OT before they lost, but they left that field knowing in their hearts that they WERE a good team, that they DID have what it takes to be a champion. The rest was up to them. While many counted the Mavericks out as having a rebuilding year, the Mavs just kept working hard, kept believing in themselves.
Fast forward to Sunday, May 8th. Deja vu - again - for the Mavericks! A year ago, they'd faced the Iron Maidens at State and had come out on top by a six-goal advantage. This year, however, it would come down to a true test of wills.
Caroline Gibson got the Mavs on the board first with a great shot just two minutes into the contest. The Maidens answered back twice, taking the lead. Jess Carroll evened things up at 2-2 with fifteen minutes to go in the half, and Amanda Leavell put the Mavs up just a minute later. Defenses then took over, as the next ten minutes saw no scoring, and only stellar goalie play and team defense by both teams. Kelsey Duncombe-Smith was on fire for a second weekend in a row, turning back shot after shot (13 saves on the day, several at point blank range). Sarah Duncan, Lily Bernicker, Alexa Mullins, Sarah Cordill and Natalie Plummer were a stalwart defensive unit, holding the Maidens to just three goals in the entire first half. On the other end of the field, The Maverick midfield and attack were working hard to generate quality scoring chances, and, most importantly possessing the ball for almost 7 minutes. Sarah Urdahl notched SJS goal #4 to break the 10-minute scoring drought, but Cy Fair had an answer, pulling back within one. With 0:39 seconds remaining in the half, Grace Dennis scored a terrific goal, faking out the Cy Fair keeper and putting the Mavs up 5-3 going into the break.
The Mavs set the tone for the second half by scoring first, on a super transition goal that started when Kelsey made a save. Sarah Cordill scooped up the rebound and quickly passed it upfield to Sarah Duncan, who then hit Martha Daniel, who turned on her jets and covered about 20 yards before passing the ball right into Urdahl's stick. SUrdahl beat the keeper on the 1v1 shot. The Maidens answered back, however, refusing to let the Mavs build on their lead. Seconds later, Amanda snagged a draw control and took off down field, slamming in another goal. The Maidens again crept within one, but Gibby scored again to pull away by two. After another Cy Fair goal, Gibby got a hat trick off a dazzling free position shot to make it 9-8 and force a Cy Fair timeout. With just under five minutes remaining, the Iron Maidens tied it up at 9, showing their resolve and refusing to break. The battle for possession reached a crescendo. Neither team was willing to give. The Maidens gained precious possession, but an errant pass was picked up by a quick Daniel, who got the ball down to the attacking end. Again, the Mavericks lost possession, and one of Cy Fair's All-American seniors raced off with the ball. Alexa matched her stride for stride, while Amanda stalked her from behind. When Amanda stripped the ball from her with a little over two minutes left in the game, the crowd cheered their hearts out, giving the TEAM the boost it needed. The Mavs got the ball back into their attacking end, and Grace drew a free position shot. She left no doubt who was in control as she nailed the go-ahead goal.
On the ensuing draw, Urdahl won yet another possession, and in less than 30 seconds Robby Rybarczyk would hit the game winning shot - a perfectly placed laser into the high left corner. HOWEVER, it is worth noting that in less than 30 seconds, Urdahl won the draw clean, passed back to Lily, who passed over to Cordill, who passed upfield to Jess, who got the ball to Robby, who nailed the shot. Talk about a true team effort!! How fitting for this team that works as one, to have the winning goal be such a group effort: 26 seconds, 5 players, 1 winning shot!! The ENORMOUS Maverick crowd erupted in cheer, giving the Mavs yet another huge boost!
With 1:44 remaining on the clock, this savvy team knew the game was far from over, and they vowed to fight til the end. Cy Fair was able to score with 0:22 seconds remaining. Urdahl, as she has done at clutch time the past three weeks, came through again on the ensuing draw, winning the final possession, passing it quickly to Jess, who was able to run out the clock. Game over! STATE CHAMPIONS!!!
To our fans: WOW!! Thank you ALL for coming - former captains Olivia Flores, Krissy Incavo, Lacey Rybarczyk and Joan Scheirman; all the former parents - so great to see each of you! SJS students, friends, family, SJS faculty, mothers, grandmothers, neighbors...EVERYONE was amazing! That had to have been the largest crowd ever gathered for an SJS girls' lacrosse game, and you couldn't have picked a more exciting game to see! We so appreciated your support. What a great day for SJS!
The coaches are so proud of this amazing group of 22 young women. A "teamier" team one may not find! Everyone put the TEAM first - from those who saw the least playing time to our stand-outs who did it for the team's glory, not their own. Indeed, when looking back on the blur that was yesterday's game, it was such a team effort - starting with defense who tirelessly battled the talented Cy Fair attack; to midfield who, for their third game in 90+ degree heat, ran up and down the field, giving it their all for their team. Attack, who unselfishly created space for team mates, backed up shots, worked to possess when their defense needed a break, and put in goals when their team needed them most. Our bench, who seamlessly jumped in to help on the field and provided uplifting support and encouragement off of it.
You all have grown so much this season. You've believed in eachother and in yourselves. You've remained positive when you could have gone the other direction. You've worked your tails off. You've worked as a TEAM. You are a very, very special group. It has been a true pleasure to have been part of this wild and magical ride!
WE ARE PROUD OF YOU, 2011 MAVERICKS: SPC AND STATE CHAMPIONS!! YOU CAN'T TOP THAT!!
It was a glorious day for mothers, daughters and Maverick fans, as, for the second year in a row, St. John's triumphed over Cy Fair in the State Championship game. In an incredible game that tested the wills of both teams, the Mavericks held on for an exhilarating one-goal win!
The third time was the charm - AGAIN! As in 2010, St. John's had lost to Cy Fair twice during the season, but as they say, it's hard to beat a good team three times. Upon reflection, the first loss to Cy Fair during the regular season was a turning point for the Mavericks. It was then, on one of the last days of March, that the Mavericks travelled out 290 not knowing quite what they'd find. They were still stinging from an embarrassing loss to EHS just a week before, and there they were, facing perennial powerhouse Cy Fair. Yet when they took the field, something special happened. Feeling the freedom of having nothing to lose, they played as a team and most importantly, they had fun. They took the stunned Maidens to OT before they lost, but they left that field knowing in their hearts that they WERE a good team, that they DID have what it takes to be a champion. The rest was up to them. While many counted the Mavericks out as having a rebuilding year, the Mavs just kept working hard, kept believing in themselves.
Fast forward to Sunday, May 8th. Deja vu - again - for the Mavericks! A year ago, they'd faced the Iron Maidens at State and had come out on top by a six-goal advantage. This year, however, it would come down to a true test of wills.
Caroline Gibson got the Mavs on the board first with a great shot just two minutes into the contest. The Maidens answered back twice, taking the lead. Jess Carroll evened things up at 2-2 with fifteen minutes to go in the half, and Amanda Leavell put the Mavs up just a minute later. Defenses then took over, as the next ten minutes saw no scoring, and only stellar goalie play and team defense by both teams. Kelsey Duncombe-Smith was on fire for a second weekend in a row, turning back shot after shot (13 saves on the day, several at point blank range). Sarah Duncan, Lily Bernicker, Alexa Mullins, Sarah Cordill and Natalie Plummer were a stalwart defensive unit, holding the Maidens to just three goals in the entire first half. On the other end of the field, The Maverick midfield and attack were working hard to generate quality scoring chances, and, most importantly possessing the ball for almost 7 minutes. Sarah Urdahl notched SJS goal #4 to break the 10-minute scoring drought, but Cy Fair had an answer, pulling back within one. With 0:39 seconds remaining in the half, Grace Dennis scored a terrific goal, faking out the Cy Fair keeper and putting the Mavs up 5-3 going into the break.
The Mavs set the tone for the second half by scoring first, on a super transition goal that started when Kelsey made a save. Sarah Cordill scooped up the rebound and quickly passed it upfield to Sarah Duncan, who then hit Martha Daniel, who turned on her jets and covered about 20 yards before passing the ball right into Urdahl's stick. SUrdahl beat the keeper on the 1v1 shot. The Maidens answered back, however, refusing to let the Mavs build on their lead. Seconds later, Amanda snagged a draw control and took off down field, slamming in another goal. The Maidens again crept within one, but Gibby scored again to pull away by two. After another Cy Fair goal, Gibby got a hat trick off a dazzling free position shot to make it 9-8 and force a Cy Fair timeout. With just under five minutes remaining, the Iron Maidens tied it up at 9, showing their resolve and refusing to break. The battle for possession reached a crescendo. Neither team was willing to give. The Maidens gained precious possession, but an errant pass was picked up by a quick Daniel, who got the ball down to the attacking end. Again, the Mavericks lost possession, and one of Cy Fair's All-American seniors raced off with the ball. Alexa matched her stride for stride, while Amanda stalked her from behind. When Amanda stripped the ball from her with a little over two minutes left in the game, the crowd cheered their hearts out, giving the TEAM the boost it needed. The Mavs got the ball back into their attacking end, and Grace drew a free position shot. She left no doubt who was in control as she nailed the go-ahead goal.
On the ensuing draw, Urdahl won yet another possession, and in less than 30 seconds Robby Rybarczyk would hit the game winning shot - a perfectly placed laser into the high left corner. HOWEVER, it is worth noting that in less than 30 seconds, Urdahl won the draw clean, passed back to Lily, who passed over to Cordill, who passed upfield to Jess, who got the ball to Robby, who nailed the shot. Talk about a true team effort!! How fitting for this team that works as one, to have the winning goal be such a group effort: 26 seconds, 5 players, 1 winning shot!! The ENORMOUS Maverick crowd erupted in cheer, giving the Mavs yet another huge boost!
With 1:44 remaining on the clock, this savvy team knew the game was far from over, and they vowed to fight til the end. Cy Fair was able to score with 0:22 seconds remaining. Urdahl, as she has done at clutch time the past three weeks, came through again on the ensuing draw, winning the final possession, passing it quickly to Jess, who was able to run out the clock. Game over! STATE CHAMPIONS!!!
To our fans: WOW!! Thank you ALL for coming - former captains Olivia Flores, Krissy Incavo, Lacey Rybarczyk and Joan Scheirman; all the former parents - so great to see each of you! SJS students, friends, family, SJS faculty, mothers, grandmothers, neighbors...EVERYONE was amazing! That had to have been the largest crowd ever gathered for an SJS girls' lacrosse game, and you couldn't have picked a more exciting game to see! We so appreciated your support. What a great day for SJS!
The coaches are so proud of this amazing group of 22 young women. A "teamier" team one may not find! Everyone put the TEAM first - from those who saw the least playing time to our stand-outs who did it for the team's glory, not their own. Indeed, when looking back on the blur that was yesterday's game, it was such a team effort - starting with defense who tirelessly battled the talented Cy Fair attack; to midfield who, for their third game in 90+ degree heat, ran up and down the field, giving it their all for their team. Attack, who unselfishly created space for team mates, backed up shots, worked to possess when their defense needed a break, and put in goals when their team needed them most. Our bench, who seamlessly jumped in to help on the field and provided uplifting support and encouragement off of it.
You all have grown so much this season. You've believed in eachother and in yourselves. You've remained positive when you could have gone the other direction. You've worked your tails off. You've worked as a TEAM. You are a very, very special group. It has been a true pleasure to have been part of this wild and magical ride!
WE ARE PROUD OF YOU, 2011 MAVERICKS: SPC AND STATE CHAMPIONS!! YOU CAN'T TOP THAT!!
The third time was the charm - AGAIN! As in 2010, St. John's had lost to Cy Fair twice during the season, but as they say, it's hard to beat a good team three times. Upon reflection, the first loss to Cy Fair during the regular season was a turning point for the Mavericks. It was then, on one of the last days of March, that the Mavericks travelled out 290 not knowing quite what they'd find. They were still stinging from an embarrassing loss to EHS just a week before, and there they were, facing perennial powerhouse Cy Fair. Yet when they took the field, something special happened. Feeling the freedom of having nothing to lose, they played as a team and most importantly, they had fun. They took the stunned Maidens to OT before they lost, but they left that field knowing in their hearts that they WERE a good team, that they DID have what it takes to be a champion. The rest was up to them. While many counted the Mavericks out as having a rebuilding year, the Mavs just kept working hard, kept believing in themselves.
Fast forward to Sunday, May 8th. Deja vu - again - for the Mavericks! A year ago, they'd faced the Iron Maidens at State and had come out on top by a six-goal advantage. This year, however, it would come down to a true test of wills.
Caroline Gibson got the Mavs on the board first with a great shot just two minutes into the contest. The Maidens answered back twice, taking the lead. Jess Carroll evened things up at 2-2 with fifteen minutes to go in the half, and Amanda Leavell put the Mavs up just a minute later. Defenses then took over, as the next ten minutes saw no scoring, and only stellar goalie play and team defense by both teams. Kelsey Duncombe-Smith was on fire for a second weekend in a row, turning back shot after shot (13 saves on the day, several at point blank range). Sarah Duncan, Lily Bernicker, Alexa Mullins, Sarah Cordill and Natalie Plummer were a stalwart defensive unit, holding the Maidens to just three goals in the entire first half. On the other end of the field, The Maverick midfield and attack were working hard to generate quality scoring chances, and, most importantly possessing the ball for almost 7 minutes. Sarah Urdahl notched SJS goal #4 to break the 10-minute scoring drought, but Cy Fair had an answer, pulling back within one. With 0:39 seconds remaining in the half, Grace Dennis scored a terrific goal, faking out the Cy Fair keeper and putting the Mavs up 5-3 going into the break.
The Mavs set the tone for the second half by scoring first, on a super transition goal that started when Kelsey made a save. Sarah Cordill scooped up the rebound and quickly passed it upfield to Sarah Duncan, who then hit Martha Daniel, who turned on her jets and covered about 20 yards before passing the ball right into Urdahl's stick. SUrdahl beat the keeper on the 1v1 shot. The Maidens answered back, however, refusing to let the Mavs build on their lead. Seconds later, Amanda snagged a draw control and took off down field, slamming in another goal. The Maidens again crept within one, but Gibby scored again to pull away by two. After another Cy Fair goal, Gibby got a hat trick off a dazzling free position shot to make it 9-8 and force a Cy Fair timeout. With just under five minutes remaining, the Iron Maidens tied it up at 9, showing their resolve and refusing to break. The battle for possession reached a crescendo. Neither team was willing to give. The Maidens gained precious possession, but an errant pass was picked up by a quick Daniel, who got the ball down to the attacking end. Again, the Mavericks lost possession, and one of Cy Fair's All-American seniors raced off with the ball. Alexa matched her stride for stride, while Amanda stalked her from behind. When Amanda stripped the ball from her with a little over two minutes left in the game, the crowd cheered their hearts out, giving the TEAM the boost it needed. The Mavs got the ball back into their attacking end, and Grace drew a free position shot. She left no doubt who was in control as she nailed the go-ahead goal.
On the ensuing draw, Urdahl won yet another possession, and in less than 30 seconds Robby Rybarczyk would hit the game winning shot - a perfectly placed laser into the high left corner. HOWEVER, it is worth noting that in less than 30 seconds, Urdahl won the draw clean, passed back to Lily, who passed over to Cordill, who passed upfield to Jess, who got the ball to Robby, who nailed the shot. Talk about a true team effort!! How fitting for this team that works as one, to have the winning goal be such a group effort: 26 seconds, 5 players, 1 winning shot!! The ENORMOUS Maverick crowd erupted in cheer, giving the Mavs yet another huge boost!
With 1:44 remaining on the clock, this savvy team knew the game was far from over, and they vowed to fight til the end. Cy Fair was able to score with 0:22 seconds remaining. Urdahl, as she has done at clutch time the past three weeks, came through again on the ensuing draw, winning the final possession, passing it quickly to Jess, who was able to run out the clock. Game over! STATE CHAMPIONS!!!
To our fans: WOW!! Thank you ALL for coming - former captains Olivia Flores, Krissy Incavo, Lacey Rybarczyk and Joan Scheirman; all the former parents - so great to see each of you! SJS students, friends, family, SJS faculty, mothers, grandmothers, neighbors...EVERYONE was amazing! That had to have been the largest crowd ever gathered for an SJS girls' lacrosse game, and you couldn't have picked a more exciting game to see! We so appreciated your support. What a great day for SJS!
The coaches are so proud of this amazing group of 22 young women. A "teamier" team one may not find! Everyone put the TEAM first - from those who saw the least playing time to our stand-outs who did it for the team's glory, not their own. Indeed, when looking back on the blur that was yesterday's game, it was such a team effort - starting with defense who tirelessly battled the talented Cy Fair attack; to midfield who, for their third game in 90+ degree heat, ran up and down the field, giving it their all for their team. Attack, who unselfishly created space for team mates, backed up shots, worked to possess when their defense needed a break, and put in goals when their team needed them most. Our bench, who seamlessly jumped in to help on the field and provided uplifting support and encouragement off of it.
You all have grown so much this season. You've believed in eachother and in yourselves. You've remained positive when you could have gone the other direction. You've worked your tails off. You've worked as a TEAM. You are a very, very special group. It has been a true pleasure to have been part of this wild and magical ride!
WE ARE PROUD OF YOU, 2011 MAVERICKS: SPC AND STATE CHAMPIONS!! YOU CAN'T TOP THAT!!
St. John's School
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