THROUGH THE ‘THICK AND THIN’
Ford gets emotional win over brand new St. Clair Shores Unified
Sonya Sawka had been waiting for the moment for four years.
“I’ve never won a varsity lacrosse game and I’ve been on the team for four years,” an emotional Sawka said after the Falcons defeated St. Clair Shores Unified 14-2 in the Macomb Area Conference game. “And to win in the opening game of my senior year — it’s crazy, but it feels really good.
Sawka played a major role in the victory as she scored seven goals and collected two assists. Another senior, Destiny Goniwiecha, had six goals and two assists. Natalie Allen had Ford’s other goal.
Goalkeeper Mikayla Booton made two saves.
“Our team has been a work in progress,” Sawka said. “I’ve never had a team like these girls. To come in and win the first game means so much to all the returners. It’s unlike any other feeling. It’s so, so amazing.”
Most of the Ford players are seniors, although only five of them are returning from last year’s team.
“It’s a whole new program, so coming out and getting the
win means so much to all of us that have been here through the thick and thin,” Sawka said.
The Falcons’ coach is Sonya Sawka’s father, Bo Sawka. He was impressed with the team’s strong showing in its first game of the season.
“The girls showed a lot of heart today,” he said. “We’ve been practicing really hard the last couple weeks. I’m proud of
the way they played today, the sportsmanship and the great team effort.
“We’ve had a program but we’re finally jelling together. We have some experience with our seniors and a couple girls who have played club. That helps a lot.”
It was the first game ever for the St. Clair Shores team, which is made up primarily of players from Lakeview. It was also the first lacrosse game for coach Jen Pangborn, who also coaches the St. Clair Shores Unified girls hockey team.
Starting a program presents some challenges.
“Not everyone knows the rules,” Pangborn said. “This first game is a learning experience. It’s crucial that we have a lot of chalk talks so that they know the game and also understand the skills.”
Pangborn has had a good turnout. Twenty-six players were in uniform for St. Clair Shores.
“These girls have been begging to have a team for a couple years,” she said. “It’s a great number. They started a petition at school, so they’re pretty excited.”
The excitement was obvious when Emma Huddlestone scored the team’s first goal late in the first half. It didn’t matter that Ford was leading 9-0 at the time.
Mya Dockhorn got the Shores’ second goal in the final minute of the game.
Malia Ceane is the only St. Clair Shores player with lacrosse experience. Pangborn said that Ceane was instrumental, along with some recent graduates,