The Lady Ranger lacrosse team took on the powerhouse of East Grand Rapids on Wednesday and were outscored 18-5. The Pioneers lacrosse program is known around the state as one of the most competitive teams to go up against. With that being said, the Rangers were not able to keep up with East Grand Rapids.

The Pioneers had possession of the ball for most of the game, and the Rangers struggled to take it away from them. East was able to control most of the draws and keep the ball on the offensive side of the field. Once East Grand Rapids got into its grove and ran its set plays, the Rangers had trouble stopping them. 

“East was able to finish on most of its offensive sets, and that is what killed us,” junior Sophie Hartl said. “When we were able to actually bring it up the field and set up our offense, we got some really good shots off, but we just struggled with actually getting the ball in our possession.” 

However, the Rangers showed that they would not back down from the pressure forced on them by East Grand Rapids. Sophomore Shannon Murphy was able to get by the Pioneers’ defense three times to put the ball in the back of the net. Sophie Hartl and sophomore Delaney Smith also contributed with one goal each for FHC. The girls fought the entire game and proved that while they may be a much younger and inexperienced team, they have enough grit and determination to win games and were devoted to competing until the horn sounded. 

“I think the girls did a great job, especially in the second half, playing aggressively and showing that they wanted it,” head coach Zoe Mamo said. “The girls showed that they are able to play tough and strong lacrosse and compete with some of these teams as our program grows, and there were a lot of great takeaways from the game.”

The Rangers are now 2-4 on the season and will face off against Spring Lake on Friday, April 30. The girls are looking to get back on the right track and finish out the regular season strong.  

“I think that [the Spring Lake game] will be a great game to get back into it mentally, and we should be able to win that game,” coach Mamo said. “I think the girls just need to stay focused and play smart lacrosse.”