Mavericks earn title double once again
Kensinger’s squad completes THSLL, SPC sweep for second consecutive season
The St. John’s girls lacrosse team has built an enviable streak.
The Mavericks have won either the Texas Girls High School Lacrosse League or Southwest Preparatory Conference title – the two biggest trophies up for grabs – the past 13 years. Quite often, St. John’s have achieved a double, including this season.
Earlier this month, St. John’s clinched its fourth consecutive state crown with a 10-9 overtime victory over Episcopal School of Dallas at TGHSLL State Tournament in Coppell.
St. John’s head girls lacrosse coach Angie Kensinger, now in her 20th season at the helm, led her squad to an undefeated season against Texas teams and 20-2 record, with the only losses coming during the Mavericks’ spring break to California.
For Kensinger, the latest victory over ESD – a rematch of the SPC title game won by the Mavericks 12-3 a week earlier – was the culmination of a memorable season.
“The state championship game was such a great game,” Kensinger said. “ESD played so hard and so well. We had our hands full, but we were able to regroup and string together the final four goals of the game. I was so proud of the way the girls remained calm, focused and upbeat.”
St. John’s formula all season has been scoring early, getting a large lead and letting the clock run. True to form, the Mavericks jumped on top 2-0 as senior midfielder Lindsey McCone scored in the first 30 seconds and senior attack Kara Wollmers added a goal.
ESD bounced back with three consecutive goals before senior midfelder Kate Copeland tied it up and McCone added two more goals for a 5-3 lead before the Eagles cut it to 5-4 at the half-time break.
St. John’s looked to be in trouble when ESD scored twice to take its first lead at 6-5. McCone tied it up a second later, but was called for a yellow card to leave the Mavericks down a player. The Eagles took full advantage, collecting three goals to go ahead 9-6.
Kate Copeland’s goal with 12:04 remaining cut it to 9-7, but St. John’s still trailed with just over three minutes to go. But the Mavericks refused to give up, with McCone getting an unassisted goal with 2:51 left on the clock. St. John’s found a way to get the ball on the next draw and, with one minute left, Wollmers found sophomore attack Audrey Ledbetter on the doorstep to tie it at 9.
ESD won the next draw control and appeared to be in position to win, but St. John’s junior defender Reese Vogel denied the offensive possession as time expired in regulation.
“Our defense really stepped up and held ESD scoreless for the final 15 minutes,” Kensinger said.
With the new golden goal in place this season, the teams knew the first goal would be the gamewinner. St. John’s seized possession of the overtime draw and worked the offense for two minutes before Wollmers drove the crease to find senior attack Jennifer Trieschman open on the eight meter to clinch the title.
Kensinger gave much of the credit for St. John’s success to the Mavericks’ 15 seniors, 12 of whom were captains in lacrosse and other sports.
“The entire team played well and contributed in all three games at state,” she said. “It was a great weekend, a terrific way for this group of seniors to end.”
Among the seniors are McKone and Winnie Brandfield-Harvey, the starting goalie. McKone, who signed with Northwestern University, is a three-time U.S. Lacrosse All-American, a four-time all-SPC and four-time allstate performer. Brandfield-Harvey, who is headed to Princeton University, is a two-time All-American and all-state selection and three-time all-SPC pick.
“Lindsey is a rare player. She’s a phenomenal athlete and also has an uncanny game sense and a great mind for the game,” Kensinger said. “Winnie started playing lacrosse her freshman year. She has accomplished so much in such a short time. It’s been so fun to watch her grow as a player.”
Other notable seniors were sisters Carson and Kate Copeland, workhorses in the midfield, and Wollmers (Williams College). The Copelands and Wollmers, who had assists on the tying and winning goals at state, each earned all-state and all-SPC honors.
The St. John’s attack featured Wollmers, Trieschman, Ledbetter and seniors Alice Chambers (Washington and Lee University) and Ellie Trent, while McKone and the Copelands powered the midfield.
The Mavericks had plenty of depth on defense. Aside from Leah Vogel, other players included seniors Kelsey Bing, Grace Firestone, Casey Mullins, Tenille Tubbs, Leah Vogel and Cameron Weiner and freshman Alexandra Lewis.
Kensinger also praised her assistant coaches, Nicole Morris, Clayton Crum and Jess Carroll. Crum and Carroll graduated from St. John’s in 2008 and 2011, respectively, and starred for the Mavericks.