If there was any doubt how badly Oakton wants a chance to finally earn its first signature win, just ask the Cougars’ two opponents in Virginia’s first official state lacrosse tournament.
The Cougars overwhelmed Charlottesville from the opening draw, scoring 12 goals Thursday in the game’s first 15 minutes on the way a 26-8 victory. The goal total was Oakton’s biggest offensive output of the season and the second game in row in which the Cougars (16-3) have scored 25 or more goals.
After three straight Northern Region championship losses, including a heartbreaking 9-8 defeat to Robinson last week, Oakton will get a chance to vie for a state title on Saturday at Westfield against the Rams or Loudoun Valley.
“Our whole entire team, we just want it for each other,” said junior midfielder Hillary Freund. “We’re ready for it.”
Freund and junior attack Victoria Cable set the pace early with a hat trick apiece during Oakton’s game-opening run. Freund finished with a game-high six goals, Cable topped out at five, and sophomore midfielder Ashley Kimener scored four times as nine different Cougars contributed at least one goal.
The Black Knights (12-8) were led by four goals apiece from senior midfielder Maggie Zentgraf and senior attack Elizabeth Snook.
