The girls lacrosse team narrowly defeated rival Walter Johnson in a thrilling 7-6 game, boosting the Lady Vikes’ overall record to 7-2 and their divisional record to 3-1.

Attacker Josie Schwartz set the tone early for the Vikings by scoring less than one minute into the game. The Vikings’ relentless full-field pressure kept the ball in the Wildcats’ half and forced the Wildcats into several early giveaways.

Two goals by midfielder Maddie Parker and one by both attackers Ali Dane and Hannah Ginsky helped the Lady Vikes secure a 5-4 edge heading into halftime.

In the second half, the Wildcats scored with just under two minutes remaining to cut the Vikings’ lead to 7-6, but the Vikings were able to run out the clock by maintaining possession on the Wildcats’ half.

The Vikings’ defense stymied the Wildcat attack in the second half, allowing only two goals. Goalie Lily Blum finished the game with nine saves, each one proving to be invaluable in the end.

Parker and Dane each added goals in the second half, bringing their totals to three and two respectively. In addition to her hat trick, Parker dominated face-offs all game for the Vikings.

The Vikings were able to deal with both the Wildcats second half pressure and some questionable calls from the referees, captain Annabelle Scully said.

“We definitely played with a lot of heart tonight, and played as a team,” said Scully, a midfielder.  “Although the calls didn’t favor us we played through everything and kept our composure.”

The Lady Vikes will look to take control of second place in their division when they take on their arch-rival Churchill this coming Monday.