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The girls lacrosse team became regional champions Wednesday after a nail biting 8–6 victory over the Wootton Patriots. The lead went back-and-forth the entire game, until the deciding goal was scored with under 15 minutes remaining.

With this win, the team moves on to their second consecutive state semifinal game. Goalie Hannah Tatem was the star of the game, anchoring the defense all night. Her nine-save performance was crucial to keeping the Vikings in the game.

Although the Vikes fell to an early two goal deficit in the first half, they managed to mount an impressive comeback to secure final four status.

“Unfortunately, we let them get a lead in the first, but we really came out strong and ready to play in the second half,” midfielder Hannah Ginsky said. “I hope that in our next game we can play the entire game the way we played the second half.”

As the second half began to wind down, the score was all knotted up 6–6. With only 13 minutes left, attacker Annie Waye converted off of an assist from Ginsky.

Midfielder Maddie Parker put the nail in the coffin with another goal, putting Whitman up 8–6 as the clock expired.

“It was a great game,” coach Lindsay Bitonti said. “It was extremely aggressive, and they never gave up. They had to fight for this one.”

The Vikes look to extend their playoff run Friday against Bel Air in the state semis.