The Varsity Panthers of Bridge Lacrosse focused, worked, and prepared for an intense back and forth game against Parish at the district semi-finals on May 27th. In the regular season, the Panthers beat Parish twice. Once in a one-goal game, and another by five goals. Despite these wins, the panthers fought, both mentally and physically, for a trip to the D3 District Finals. Sitting at #2 and #3 respectively, Bridge and Parish fought a two-hour-long battle that ultimately drained both teams.
The game started off with Bridge possession and a quick goal off the draw by San Diego State commit Jamyria Woods. It took just the second draw for Woods' first assist to Daniela Quiroga who scored quickly. The Panthers were leading 2-0 in under five minutes. The energy from the crowd began to get more and more exciting, but Parish started fighting back. With two back-to-back free-position shots, Parish tied the game. Both teams furiously fought for ground balls, interceptions, free positions, and goals. Most importantly both teams were patient with their plays and passes.
As the first half wound down, Bridge was down 5-2 and had been scoreless for about 15 minutes, while Parish has scored three free-position shots in that time. Although Parish was on a roll, Kimaari Mondy of Bridge Lacrosse made an exceptional save and a perfect clear to Jamyria Woods. Woods sprinted down to pass the ball and accidentally put it in the back of the cage for the Panthers, making it a two-goal game. The fight followed through halftime with Bridge leading 7-5.
Coming into the second half, Bridge changed their energy, mindset, and determination. They started fighting as if their lives depended on it. With more grit and hustle Bridge started the second half on fire. Kimaari Mondy got her first save of the second half and scored a successful clear to Jamyria Woods. Woods sprinted it all the way down to the attack, passed to Daniela Quiroga, who finished with a roll-dodge goal, tying the game. The game was tied throughout the majority of the second half, beginning a back and forth journey for both teams. Trying to take the lead, the Panthers scored back-to-back goals making the score 11-9. Parish, though, begins to catch up, and makes it a one-goal game. However, with a response, Katie Pham-Hua of Bridge Lacrosse scores her second of the game giving Bridge the two-goal lead.
With eight seconds left in the second half, the game is tied at 14-14. One last draw is set up. It becomes a 50/50 ground ball but Jamyria Woods eventually picks it up and shoots a buzzer-beating goal earning Bridge a trip to the district finals for the first time in team history.