Clearwater Girls at East Lake Girls

Recap

East Lake was victorious 16 to 2 over Clearwater High School on a hot night at East Lake Stadium.  The crowd was already electrified from Senior Night festivities as East Lake is graduating 10 of its’ female lacrosse players.  They are #3 Courtney Day (1 goal & 1 assist), #4 Christina Kamis (1 goal & 1 GB), #7  Cassidy Mosotto (4 GB), #10 Grace Shankle (1 goal), #14 Amelia Clawson, #21 Emi Engang, #24 Oliva Clift (3 goals, 1 assist, & 2 GB), #25 Samantha Reich (4 goals, 2 assists, & 5 GB), #30 Hailey Hoard (1 GB), and #37 Mya Mooney (8 saves).  “All of the seniors contributed to the win.  More so from the girls that didn’t make the stat sheets.  They are constantly hustling and applying pressure and getting the ball up the field.”  Said #25 Samantha Reich.

Non-senior scorers were #2 Lauren Holthaus (3 goals, 3 GB, & 6 DC), #1 Kendall Bullock (2 goals & 1 GB), and #27 Sammi Chapman (1 goal, 2 assists, & 1 GB).  They all played great.”  Said Samantha Reich.  Lauren Holthaus, heir apparent captain said, “I am so happy how are seniors played.  I am happy how we have been playing all season.  Samantha and I take what we learned on our club and apply it here.”   Both Samantha and Lauren played together for Limitless Lacrosse Club in Tampa.  “We have some girls joining me on my club the season coming up so we should be even better in the future.”  Said Lauren Holthaus.

Head Coach Susan McGrath said after the game, “We have to keep this rolling.  We have stiff competition coming next week.”  Nicole Sirota Plotnikov (past goalie of Tampa area college Saint Leo) said, “We are also graduating 10 seniors and we are sill building.  I am imparting my love of the game to my players so better days are in front of us.”  #15 Shaver was the only goal scorer for Clearwater on two excellent plays.

The highlight of the game came on the last play when with only 15 seconds and the clock running, #2 Lauren Holthaus was able to gain the draw control on an acrobatic move and made a quick pass to #25 Samantha Reich who drew the retreating defense as she approached the 12.  As Clearwater’s defense collapsed on to Samantha, she was able to find #4 Christina Kamis who was left alone in front of the goal.  Christina was able to launch a power shot past Clearwater’s #21 Lindsey for the last goal of the game and with only 4 seconds left on the clock.  Christina said after the game with a smile and tears in her eyes, “Thank you so much.  [To Samantha and Lauren.]  I was trying all day and couldn’t quite finish.  I really wanted to score on my senior night.  Tonight is memorable.”