Bruin Girls Capture Lacrosse State Championship

The Broadneck girls had a young squad in 2021, so other teams in the county may have been surprised to see the Bruins rack up wins during an undefeated season. After winning the 4A state title 12-11 over Arundel at Loyola University’s Ridley Athletic Complex in Baltimore on June 19, Broadneck proved that selfless play can trump inexperience.

“No one is out for the glory,” said Broadneck head coach Katy Kelley. “They’re out for the win, and to be together and to have fun.”

Broadneck’s brand of balanced play was on full display in the championship game. After Arundel’s Morgan Gore put her team up early, Broadneck sophomore Mary Moore took advantage of an interception, tying the score 1-1. The back and forth continued as senior Tobin Chambers and Gore both scored, and then Lexi Dupcak and Gore added free position goals, knotting the game at 3-3. With 6:05 left in the half, yet another Broadneck attacker got involved. Junior Julia Sokolowski approached from the wing, dodged two defenders and flicked the ball into the cage for the lead. After the Wildcats again evened the score, Moore tossed a pass over the cage and into the stick of sophomore Lilly Kelley, who found the net to give Broadneck a 5-4 lead heading into halftime.

Arundel’s Caroline Keane tied the game 50 seconds into the second half, but Broadneck began winning draw after draw to create scoring opportunities. Dupcak flicked one in and then Sokolowski fed Moore for another score. Junior Sam Lavorini piled on, running around the crease and then firing a shot into the bottom of the net, just beyond the extended reach of Arundel goalie Kylie Sharpe and another defender. Moore then found Dupcak for a goal, Kelley scored on an assist from Alexis Abe, and Abe found the net on an assist from Lavorini.

Over a six-minute stretch, the Bruins scored six unanswered points, increasing their lead to 11-5. Just like Broadneck’s state semifinal against Dulaney on June 16, though, the opponent refused to surrender. Malia Walker, Madison Barber and Keane brought Arundel’s deficit to three points at 11-8. Broadneck junior goalie Chloe Rand then made two big saves, one on a free position shot. Not to be denied, Arundel scored again as Walker sunk a shot while drifting to her right. With the advantage at 11-9 Broadneck, Lilly Kelley found the net for a key goal with 3:39 remaining.

“We know until the time is up, we need to fight,” Lilly Kelley said after the game.

Arundel’s Nikki Seven scored with 38 seconds and then 21.3 seconds left, but Dupcak secured the final draw, preserving the lead and Broadneck’s first state championship since 2013.

“Lexi is calm and composed, and she’s very skilled on the draw, on the offensive end,” coach Kelley said. “So I was nervous, but I had faith that she would do what she had to do, and she did it.”

Katy Kelley was an assistant coach on the 2013 Broadneck team. Not only did she win her first title as a head coach by beating Arundel, but her daughter, Lilly Kelley, had a hat trick. Dupcak and Arundel players Gore and Keane also finished with three goals apiece.

The win capped an impressive playoff run for the Bruins, who finished the season undefeated after beating Leonardtown 28-2, Severna Park 10-9 in double overtime, and Dulaney 11-8.

Coach Kelley said her team had the support of many former alumni, who motivated her players throughout the “magical” postseason run.

“I’ve never been so honored to play on a team … having faith in each other and having fun every single day,” Abe said.

The girls shared unity and a love for one another, Lilly Kelley explained, and that helped the girls win a special championship that she and the coaches will savor. The 2021 title marks Broadneck’s fourth championship after previous wins in 2002, 2003 and 2013.

“They know this doesn’t come around every year or even every 10 years, so it’s huge,” coach Kelley said.

The 2021 Broadneck girls lacrosse team was coached by Katy Kelley and assistant coaches Stephanie Jones, Ali Flury, Shannon Hanratty and Jess Williams. Suiting up for the Bruins were Sophia Facciponti, Olivia Orso, Lilah Sage, Chloe Boteler, Kate Lindsay, Lily Trout, Tobin Chambers, Mason Smargissi, Makenna Quigley, Mary Moore, Skylar Smith, Alexis Abe, Ella Phillips, Kelsey Raymond, Abi Kerr, Peyton Baldwin, Reagan Baldwin, Julia Sokolowski, Lauren Peters, Carly Johnston, Lexi Dupcak, Lilly Kelley, Nellie Gownley, Sam Lavorini, Arden Hunteman, Ella Killian, Molly Yeomans, Caitlin Alperstein and Chloe Rand.