Girls LAX dominates district

“We are the champions” softly issued from the stadium speakers as the girls varsity lacrosse team closed out a perfect Patriot District season.  The team had gone 7-0 in district play and was heading into the Patriot District tournament as the number one seed.

The Atoms completed their regular season with a dominant win over the West Potomac Wolverines, 19-4. The 15 goal margin was aided by the girls‘ intense swarming defense that caused many turnovers and subsequent fast break opportunities.

“We have definitely been working on our pressure D [defense] all over the field and want to work together to force turnovers,” said head coach Cindy Hook.

Although the team only has three seniors, they have won the majority of their close games.  Their closest win came against the West Springfield Spartans where the Atoms pulled out a 10-8 win, showing they can play under pressure. The Atoms closed the season with two uncontested 17-3 and 19-4 wins over T.C. Williams and West Potomac, and are looking strong heading into the post season.

“We will draw on our experiences during the regular season and focus and prepare for one game at a time,” said Hook.  “Everyone is looking forward to the increased level of play and excitement that the District tournament brings out in every team.”

The Atoms only two losses of the season, both against Bishop O’Connell, could prove to provide necessary experience for the team on how to properly handle late game situations.  The losses also made sure the Atoms stayed grounded and helped them realize that no one is perfect.

“[The loss] definitely helped us,” said varsity goalie, junior Anita Obasi.  “It made us remember we’re vulnerable to losing, despite having the perfect district record.”

The Atoms begin their post season play Thurs. May 1, most likely against the number eight seeded Lee Lancers who the Atoms beat 12-4 earlier in the season.  Expecting to meet a determined team facing the threat of their season being ended, the Atoms are taking nothing for granted.

“Our team knows our success totally depends on how we play, not who we play,” said Hook.  “I want to help our team play better each game we play and continue to focus on how we play, not who. That has been key to our successful season and will continue to help us play our best together.”

The thoughts of teamwork and working together are instilled in all the team’s members, including Obasi.

“We work as one unit,” said Obasi.

Although the Atoms’ opponents may have had time to improve, it will be hard to match the Atoms progressively improving aspects.

“Starting with our first scrimmage, our teamwork has continued to improve every time we play,” said Hook.  “Players read each other better, communicate better and work together better, in all phases of the game.”

The Atoms have a 5-2 record outside of the Patriot District this year, showing they can beat plenty of non-district teams. With convincing early season wins over the Edison Eagles and the Yorktown Patriots, it is clear the Atoms can be a competitive team with top teams all across the Northern Region.  The Atoms 15-7 win over the Patriots is especially impressive seeing as Yorktown finished atop the National District standings.

If the Atoms are able to win the Patriot District tournament on May 8 at Lee, than they will advance to the Northern Region playoffs and play at home on May 13.