In one of the most intense lacrosse games of the season, senior Kate Barrett led her team to a huge win with an incredible goal in double overtime against Lassiter High School. The game was close the entire time, with both teams going back and forth, as the pressure built, Barrett said she never lost confidence in her team.
“Going into overtime, I was confident in our team and confident in our defense and offense to execute in big moments,” Barrett said. “After our defense held them scoreless in the first overtime, I knew we could do it again.”
The team stayed focused despite the long game and high pressure. According to Barrett, experience and trust in each other made a big difference.
“We knew lacrosse is a game of runs,” Barrett said. “Even when they went up, we knew we could come back. We just kept fighting for each other and didn’t give up.”
The winning moment came in the second overtime after a big defensive stop.
“Once we got the ball back, Hailey [McDonald] found me cutting through the middle,” Barrett said. “I shot it, and it went in. I was just so excited and proud of our team.”
While Barrett scored the final goal, she made it clear the win was a full team effort. She gave a lot of credit to the defense who made key stops throughout the game with great communication, and goalie saves in overtime. She credits the win as a team win. After the final goal, the team celebration was unforgettable.
“It was honestly a sigh of relief,” Barrett said. “All the hard work paid off. Celebrating with my teammates, coaches and everyone there made it even more special.”
Barrett also shared how the team handles pressure in big moments. She said staying calm and centered as a team has been important all season.
“We took time to pause, take a breath and pray before overtime,” Barrett said. “That really helped calm us and remind us we’re not alone in those moments.”
Looking ahead, Barrett believes this win will give the team confidence going into playoffs. The win shows that the team can fight back and win in tough situations. With a strong regular season already behind them, the team has big goals moving forward.
“We want to leave our mark,” Barrett said. “Our goal is to win a state championship, and we believe we have what it takes.”
As playoffs approach, the team is focused on taking things one game at a time. With momentum on their side and a memorable win behind them, Barrett and her team are ready for what’s next.
