Players: Mikayla Rigney, Shannon Taylor, Bronte Annand, Taylor Harvey, Shannon O'Sullivan, Alyssa Gilbee, Annalisa Hinton, Hannah Mika and Peyton Kilgower
The day started with a couple of girls not being able to attend, however we had enough numbers to field a team with one interchange.
The ladies were given the competition rules as they arrived at QEO to board the bus to Paisley Park Altona Melbourne. The trip to Melbourne wasn't an issue as we were one of the first schools to arrive at the grounds. The grounds were smaller than last year, which were found to be a disadvantage because it made the games more congested for our very athletic players.
While the ladies changed into their playing tops, all teachers were briefed by Lacrosse Victoria's Tournament and Development Officer on grounds, facilities, rules and tournament requirements.
All games were 15 minutes with no halves. Each team had a goal keeper, 2 defenders, three midfielders and two forwards on the field.
It was a windy and chilly start to the day.Mikayla volunteered as goalie and the rest of the players were given a position. The girls tried to warm up whilst watching the first round matches, as we had a bye first up.
The girls played against Williamstown High (2) in round 2. The girls quickly settled and learnt the lacrosse rules as the game progressed. The girls preformed very well showing they could match the other team with skill, and were head and shoulders ahead in athleticism. Hannah was dangerous around goal, while Bronte was everywhere to lead a hand up forward and in defence. Annalise held firm in defence. The girls had the majority of possession and had comfortably won the game 2 goals to nil.
Next game was against Mater Christi (4), which was a hard fought game. However, Shannon T, Peyton, and Bronte were controlling the midfield with their speed and tenacity, while Hannah and Alyssa were dangerous in the forward half. Again Annalise with Mikayla held down the backline. It was a tight affair but the final whistle with Bendigo winning 2 goals to nil.
We had a break for almost an hour. Our third game, round 6, was against Master Christi (3). This was game was an arm wrestle, with only one goal deciding the winner. It was Mater that scored with five minutes to go and held it to the end. The girls fought hard and had a couple of opportunities but weren't successful ion drawing the match. The girls learnt quickly that "manning up" was essential especially against equally skilful teams. Bendigo were defeated, 1 goal to nil.
Round 7 was against Mater Christi (2). The girls had 80 per cent of ball possession and had scored early, however they couldn't get a couple of more goals to finish the game off. With 30 seconds to go Mater scored and tied the match. It was a bit of a let down but circumstances didn't favour our team.
Another rest before Bendigo played Williamstown (2) in round 9. This was an exciting game, with Alyssa, Shannon O and Taylor stepping up to the lacrosse challenge. Annalise, was our fortress in defence, who won a lot of the "one on ones” and intercepted many passes. Mikalya and Bronte were very comfortable in front of goal and matched the best of Willy. It was a game where one team would score and then moments later other would score. However, Bendigo was not to prevail with Willy winning 4 goals to 3. A mighty effort by the girls considering the opposition was eventual winners of this competition division.
The final pool game, round 10, was against Mount Saint Joseph MSJ (2). This was a free following game with Bronte, Shannon T and Mikalya scoring easily. Hannah playing in goals effortlessly while Alyssa, Taylor, and Shannon O, were rotating in the midfield after each goal. Peyton and Annalise where again fantastic in defence. The match was won by Bendigo 7 goals to 3.
After a bit of a wait, Bendigo had made the finals playing for Bronze (third place). They had 7 points out of a possible 12 points and finish third in their division after the pools games. The girls missed out on playing for the gold medal position by 1 point. Bendigo's opponent was MSJ (2), who they just defeated in the pool games. It was a non event as the opposition did not show up as they had to leave.
BSSC ladies had three wins, a draw, and two loses to finish 3th in the competition. An improvement from 5th position last year.
The teams Bendigo lost to, Willy (2) and Mater Christi (3), had played for the Gold. It was decided in extra time, with Willy (2) winning.
Very well played to our ladies.
These ladies were a delight to coach, which made the day an enjoyable and reward experience. By the end of the day the girls handled the physicality and endurance of lacrosse in their strides. All the ladies showed improvement and I would love them to take the sport up if an opportunity existed.
Results:
Pool game 2 Bendigo defeated Williamstown (3) score 2:0
Pool game 3 Bendigo Defeat Mater Christi (4) score 2:0
Pool game 6 Bendigo lost Mater Christi (3) score 0:1
Pool game 7 Bendigo drew Mater Christi (2) score 1:1
Pool game 8 Bendigo lost Williamstown High score 3:4
Pool game 9 Bendigo won MSJ (2) score 7:3
Finals 3 v 4 place Bendigo def MSJ (2) walkover given
BSSC Ladies - Third place in Division 2 LV Senior Secondary School Competition
Last Modified on 09/09/2015 10:52