Millbrook wins over Burke, clinches first in Class

MILLBROOK — At a thrilling game on Wednesday, May 15, the Millbrook Blazers girls lacrosse team played Burke Catholic, winning 15-4, and clinching the number one seed in Class D, and finishing the regular season with an impressive 10-3 record.

Scoring goals were Hailie Every, with 1; Cat Halpin and Carrie Halpin, with 2 each; Arianna Radovic, with 4; Emma Sager, with 4; and Stephanie Williams, with 4.

Assists were attributed to Carrie Halpin and Maddy Harkenrider, with three each; Arianna Radovic and Emma Sager, with one each; and Stephanie Williams and Gabby Migliore, with three each. Goalie Claire Martell had four saves.

Coach Jillian Barnes said, “Millbrook came out strong today after a few games were canceled due to rain. They led 13-0 at the half, and controlled the ball for the majority of the game. “I was happy today with our ball movement through the midfield and our team work in passing and creating scoring opportunities for many different girls to score. We were patient and placed our shots well. 

“Arianna Radovic had a great game on both sides, offensively and defensively, and kept Burke’s Ahana Post to zero goals,” she added. “Carrie Halpin won almost every draw and the Millbrook midfield once again played solid.”

Millbrook played O’Neill the next day. Said Coach Barnes on the Thursday, May 16, game, “Millbrook avenged a loss to their team rivals today on Senior Night. The Blazers, who lost to O’Neill 5-4 in the first week of the season, came out strong and led 5-0 at half.”

During the game, which Millbrook won 8-2, goals were made by Carrie Halpin, Arianna Radovic, Emma Sager and Gabby Migliore, with one each, and Stephanie Williams, with a total of four goals.

Assists were made by Hailie Every, with one, and two each by Maddy Harkenrider and Gabby Migliore. Goalie Claire Martell had 11 saves. On the O’Neill side, J. Evangelista and F. Corrigan each scored one goal, and goalie Haijar had six saves.

“I was really happy with our defensive pressure all over the field,” said Barnes. “Which really helped cause turnovers in the midfield and we were able to take advantage with some great ground balls. We played very poised today, and maintained control of the game for the duration. Our seniors have really done so much for our program and today was no exception. Stephanie Williams had a great game with four goals and overall we really worked together well today to get a highly desired win.”

The victory helped Millbrook clinch the number one seed spot in Section IX Class D. They will play O’Neill, the 2nd seed, for the Section IX Class D Championship on Wednesday, May 22, after this paper will have gone to press. 

The Blazers hoped to win their 4th consecutive section title.