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Kadets avenge 2007 playoff loss
The Air Academy girls lacrosse team hadn't forgotten last year's first-round upset loss to Chaparral in the playoffs. And they certainly didn't want a repeat.
The Kadets beat the Wolverines 16-8 in their state playoff quarterfinal matchup Tuesday at Air Academy to advance to Saturday's 1 p.m. semifinal at Douglas County Stadium.
"Being beaten like that last year really left a bitter taste in our mouths," Kadets coach Sean Harmon said. "But today, we came out quickly and took control."
The Kadets (17-0) scored six straight goals in the first 11 minutes, including two each from Hayley Bernstein and Jane Olsen.
"They came out early and really set the pace," Chaparral coach Dix Baines said. "I thought we were going to close the gap there before halftime, but they wanted it more, and that was the difference."
Ahead 6-0, the Kadets allowed four consecutive goals that brought the Wolverines (9-7-1) within two.
Air Academy answered quickly, as Caroline Barry scored four goals in the final 5 minutes of the half. Olsen tacked on another with 9 seconds remaining to give the Kadets an 11-4 halftime lead. Air Academy out shot Chaparral 20-8 in the first half.
"Our attack was really balanced today with so many of us scoring," Barry said. "The way we played and staying undefeated are really going to help our confidence going into semifinals."
The Kadets outscored Chaparral 5-4 in the second half to avoid a letdown.
"We played one of our best games today," Barry said. "But hopefully we've saved our peak for the next rounds."
