Seahawks ‘leave it all on the field’ in state quarters

Fifth-seeded C. Milton Wright led 7-3 at halftime.

“The second half I thought we picked it up and played well,” Owens said. “We started playing together and supporting each other all over the field. We had momentum with three minutes left down by two, but couldn’t capitalize on shots and their goalie made some clutch saves.”

Junior Sadie Kauffman scored three of Decatur’s goals. She also won five draws. Senior Audrey Mumford netted two, and sophomore Lily Carson tallied one.

Junior Addison McDaniel stopped 15 C. Milton Wright shots in goal for fourth-seeded Decatur.

“Overall, the girls played their hardest and gave 100-percent effort,” Owens said. “We told them to leave it all on the field and they did. So while it wasn’t the ending we wanted, we are so proud of how far we’ve come this year.”

Decatur finished the season with a 10-6 overall record. The Seahawks advanced to the state quarterfinals after defeating the Parkside Rams, 19-6, in the 2A East Region II championship.

“This season was a dream season. Our No. 1 goal was to become a family and the girls made it happen naturally,” Owens said. “It was incredible to see the support on the field, off the field, on the sidelines, in the classroom, you name it.”

The girls had each other’s backs from day one, which is why the team was successful this year, Owens said.

“We knew we had to improve on our lacrosse skills, but what really carried us this year was our love for one another and not wanting the season to end,” Owens said. “I admire and am proud of every single one of these girls, because each girl had a tremendous part in making the team what it was – from the seniors and juniors being leaders and role models to the underclassmen pulling their weight, listening, and making the group competitive.

Winning or losing aside, this season was a great success,” she added. “Not only did they grow as a family, but they grew the lacrosse community and a whole lot of fans.”

Several players received All-Bayside South recognition for their performance during the season.

Mumford was named Player of the Year. She scored 36 goals and had 12 assists this season. She also won 25 draws, scooped up 10 ground balls and caused four turnovers.

“I’m so proud of Audrey and all that she has accomplished this year. She has really broken out of her shell and grown in confidence,” Owens said. “She became a leader for her team where her actions spoke for themselves on and off the field. The team really looked to her when we needed big plays on attack and Audrey pulled through time and time again. I can’t wait to see the successful lacrosse career she will have at Salisbury next year.”

First Team honorees for attack: Kauffman, Mumford and senior Kayla Brady; midfield: senior captains Mia Kemp and Alina Bernal-Clark, and senior Shelby Rosemond; and defense: juniors Abby Melito and Reagan Sterrs.

McDaniel was presented First Team for goalie.

Second Team accolades went to: attack: Carson and senior Kora Ketner; midfield: sophomore Mariabella Morse; and defense: seniors Sophia Krasner and Renee Fohner.

Senior Tatum Vorsteg earned honorable mention distinction.

Owens was named Coach of the Year.

She said she is honored for the recognition and shares it with many.

“Coach Shannon Bone, the players, and our parents have all played a major role in helping to achieve the goal of making this team a family,” she said. “It’s very easy to coach when I come to practice/games every day and see how much fun they have with each other. Once the family was built, everything else fell into place. These girls, the coaching staff, and the parental support made this the best and most memorable season yet.”

The team will be graduating 12 “irreplaceable” seniors, seven of whom were starters.

“We will be losing our entire midfield (Mia Kemp, Shelby Rosemond and Alina Bernal-Clark) and one of our top attackers (Audrey Mumford),” Owens said. “While we will be graduating a lot of talented seniors, we knew that going into this year, so we took a larger team than usual.”

Owens said the younger girls developed fast and improved greatly under the guidance of the seniors.

“We are extremely excited and confident that they will not only continue to grow and improve, but carry on the lessons they’ve learned from this year to future teams,” she said. “We will be strong, if not stronger next year. Our seniors can not be replaced, but our younger girls will make a name for themselves.”