Air Academy doesn't let rainstorm, Columbine bother in in 20-1 rout

Air Academy’s girls’ lacrosse team wasn’t going to let a little thing like a thunderstorm stop it.

Senior Erin Todd scored seven goals, and the third-seeded Kadets were simply dominant in a 20-1 thrashing of No. 14 Columbine in the second round of the 4A state tournament at the K-Dome Friday night. With its offense clicking despite a steady rain falling, Air Academy (16-2) won its ninth straight game and gave Columbine (13-5) just its second loss in 13 games.

“The girls came out ready today, and I was very pleased,” Air Academy coach Sean Harmon said. “With the weather the way it was, I was worried it would keep Columbine in the game, but we came out gunning. We’ve got four games we want to win, and we’re going to take it one game at a time.

“We’re peaking at the right time.”

The Kadets controlled the action from the start, and by the time the rain subsided, they had built a 15-0 halftime lead. The Rebels’ lone goal by Rebecca Miller didn’t come until the 34th minute, as Air Academy senior goalie Kenzie Baer was sharp between the pipes.

Todd, who will play lacrosse at Regis University in Denver beginning this fall, added an assist to her team-high seven goals. Miranda Beal, who is headed to the Naval Academy to play lacrosse, had a goal and six assists, with Kayley Holmes adding two goals and three assists.

“We had a mindset in the beginning of the game that the weather couldn’t affect us,” said Todd, who was easy to find on the field because of her lime green socks. “Playing in the rain is really hard, but we came out and didn’t let it affect us. The good thing is that, if one of us isn’t having a good game, we can rely on 11 other players on the field.

“That’s a really good thing, and that’s going to win a state championship for us.”

MacEllen McDonough and Natalie Berg each had three goals for the Kadets, who had eight players find the net.

Columbine coach Shannon Weakland said her players’ mental state played a factor in the lopsided loss.

“They are a very good team, and we didn’t bring it today,” she said. “I think intimidation got to them. We had a great season though, and I’m very proud of them. I don’t have any regrets, and they’re all amazing players.”