Sweet 16: Falcon Girls Lacrosse Nets Record State Title

Two years ago, Severna Park lost a late lead in the girls lacrosse state championship game. Last year, the Falcons held off the threat of a late rally to survive in the title game.

Wednesday’s 3A final held no such drama.

After withstanding Dulaney’s early one-two goal punch, Severna Park leaned on their championship rivals throughout, holding Dulaney at bay for a 12-6 win at Stevenson University.

With the win, the Falcons successfully defended their 2023 championship, and they took sole possession of the MPSSAA state record for overall championships with 16.

“There’s a lot of high expectations, and our school takes athletics very seriously,” said Severna Park senior Francesca Dunoyer. “It feels very good winning the 16th and living up to those expectations and proving to everyone that we can do it year after year.”

Dulaney employed an on-the-fly subbing policy that sought to throw Severna Park for a loop. But the defense, as it has done all season, adjusted, and held Dulaney below the Falcons’ defensive scoring average of 6.7.

That smothering defense gave Severna Park breathing room; Dulaney had sustained offensive possession on multiple occasions but also had scoring droughts of eight, five, six, 10 and 13 minutes in the game. The Lions did not score in the final period and netted just once in the final 22 minutes.

“It really was just about winning today. Getting the 16th one is great,” said Severna Park coach Annie Houghton. “Severna Park is lacrosse, it’s a hotbed, and with that comes pressure. But the girls step up to that pressure.”

With the defense clamping down on opportunities, that allowed the Falcons offense to go to work, and they scored in bunches.

Maria Bragg netted four goals, while Erin Hussey and Bella Van Gieson each scored twice. Dunoyer, Kate Evans, Peyton Jeffers and Sarah Stefancik also reached the score sheet for the Falcons.