Lady Bobcats Cruise Into Quarterfinals

After suffering a disappointing South-West Conference semi-final loss to New Fairfield (12-7, 7-6) last week, the Brookfield (15-4, 10-2) girls lacrosse team was ready to turn the page and focus on states. 

"We were kind of bummed," Brookfield head coach Kary Rodgers said of the team's reaction to the tough loss.  "We thought we were going to make the finals."

The Lady Bobcats earned the 7th seed and a home game in the opening round of the Division 1 State Championships, setting them up with a game against 10th seed Norwich Free Academy (13-6, 11-3).

The game was evenly played for the opening minutes before Brookfield took control in a decisive 19-10 win.

"It was back and forth the first couple of minutes," Brookfield head coach Kary Rodgers said.  "We knew it wasn't going to be an easy game, they were seeded close to us.  We picked it up and didn't stop."

Senior captain Jackie Brown who scored a season-high eight goals led Brookfield.  Brown helped the team race out to a 10-5 halftime lead and erase the memory of their past game.

"What's done is done," Brown said.  "We couldn't change the outcome.  We had states to look forward to."

After a season of facing tough SWC rivals, Brown and her teammates enjoyed seeing a new team.  Juniors Kathryn Marron and Emily Leonard added four goals apiece in the win.

"States is entirely different," Brown said of the competition.  "It's good to play other teams."

Defensively the Lady Bobcats held the Lady Wildcats in check ,picking up 31 ground balls and allowing 19 shots on goal.

"We played awesome, so aggressive," Rodgers said of the team's effort.  "Defense played a phenomenal game."

Freshman goalie Kelly Grady suffered a mild ankle sprain in practice early in the week, but was able to shake it off and hold her own in net. 

"So impressed with Kelly," Rodgers said of her goaltender.  "She was a little nervous about her ankle, but played well."

Brookfield will now face number two seed New Canaan (15-3, 12-2) in New Canaan on Monday at 5:00.

"It's going to be tougher," Rodgers said.  "Everybody's beatable."

For Brown and her fellow seniors, they are just looking to let it all hang out and finish on top as they play their final games.

"Leave it all out on the field," Brown said of the team's approach.  "If we face a team that's better then us, so be it.  As long as we play our best."