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TopLaxRecruits.com, Posted 5/22/15
From Staff Report
Kayla Duperrouzel said losing in the DC Washington Catholic Athletic Conference semifinals helped make the Bishop Ireton girls’ team a champion once again.
Bishop Ireton celebrates its second straight VISAA championship (Photo courtesy of Bishop Ireton lacrosse)
“After losing to Holy Cross, we all learned the hard way that we had to bring the intensity to every game,” said Deperrouzel. “We were fortunate to have a second chance, state playoffs.
“We didn’t let the loss break our mentality. We tried to focus on the fact that if we played to our potential, we were capable of winning.”
Indeed, the Cardinals rebounded by repeating as Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association Division I champions Saturday by downing previously unbeaten St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes, 12-10.
Duperrouzel collected two goals and an assist and had seven draw controls as the Cards (20-3) won 17 of the 24 draws to control possession against the Saints (28-1).
Char Sofield and Kelly Larkin each added three goals and an assist for Bishop Ireton, which had defeated St. Anne’s-Belfield (21-3), 10-6, in the semis.
“We work on draws every day at practice,” said Duperrouzel. “Going into the game, I knew I would be up against All-American Ellie Majure, so draw controls would be crucial in the game. Kaitlin Luzik and Maggie Lohrer are phenomenal on the wings.
“We all have such trust in each other that if the ball is near one of us, we will come up with it. Whether boxing out the other team or gaining possession ourselves, our ability to work as a unit is the key to our success.”
Duperrouzel said her team was not intimidated by St. Stephen’s.
“We know Coach (Kathy) Jenkins fields a great program every year,” said Duperrouzel of the win over St. Stephen’s “In fact, she coached many of us before we got to high school. Their undefeated record going into states reflected how strong their team is.
“We chose to focus on the fact that this game would be the last one for us as a team, and we truly are a family. We were playing not only for ourselves, but also for each other – especially the seniors.”
Bishop Ireton is ranked No. 11 in this week’s STEPS Lacrosse North America Rankings.
The Cards jumped ahead 5-0 and led 7-4 at the half. The Saints won the first five draws of the second half and pulled even at 9-9.
Bishop Ireton took a timeout and soon seized an 11-9 lead. The Saints pulled within 11-10, but coach Rick Sofield said Duperrouzel dominated the rest of the draws.
Kelly Mathews added two goals for Bishop Ireton and Lexi Ledoyen and Kayla Marshall each scored once while Madison Mote had one assist. Amelia Cole made three key saves.
“Both times we won the title, it was an absolute battle the entire game,” said Duperrouzel. “We respect St. Stephen’s so much as a team and we had to play incredibly well each year to come out on top. Before last year, they had won the championship for as long as any of us could remember. It’s such an honor knowing we were capable of beating them two times.
“Last year, St. Stephen’s jumped out on us 4-0. We had a similar start this year, leading them 5-0. Just as we fought back last year, they tied it up this year. We pulled ahead and a timeout was called.
“In the team huddle, I said ‘If we win this draw, then they won’t touch the ball again for the rest of the game.’ As a team, we made sure that came true. We got the final draw and kept possession for the last five minutes to win the game.
Game Replay: http://youtu.be/RIIGbvzrkuQ
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