NEWS RELEASE
ORILLIA LADY KINGS LACROSSE
*************************
The BMO Nesbitt Burns Orillia Lady Kings Senior lacrosse club closed out the regular season portion by notching a pair of victories in what has assured them a third place finish in regular season play.
A terrific result for the local squad as the team has just been returned to Ontario Women’s Field Lacrosse play after a five-year hiatus. Manager and co-coach John Pritchard gave high praise for the effort and commitment the ladies have shown so far this season, as the Lady Kings enter the playoffs on a roll.
Senior leadership, youthful enthusiasm, balanced scoring throughout the lineup and stellar goaltending has been a great combination for the team as they enter into the playoffs.
Yesterday saw Orillia open the day against Six Nations2 and controlled the tempo and play from the opening whistle earning a 13-2 win. Mikayla Kunkel earned the win in net and was aided by stellar defensive presence and constant pressure from Kennady Blunt & Shannon O’Connor. Pacing the Orillia attack was Bryant University freshman Abbi England scoring 4 goals. Sarah Utting and Kiah Shanks would chip in with two goals each while singles come from the sticks of Kyra Meredith, Rachel Mochulla, Emily Arkell, Hayley Rekker and Teresa Mayo rounded out the offensive output.
Oakville Lady Hawk’s would be Orillia’s next foe and again, attention to defence led the Lady Kings to a 7-2 victory.
Only leading 3-1 at the half, a concerted effort towards ball control and patience would allow Orillia to pull away in the second half. Sarah Utting would pace the victors with three goals while singles came from Annie Lloyd, Rachel Mochulla, Kyra Meredith and Abbie England was all the scoring needed.
Camille Vibert & Kaitlin Van Kessel strong two way play aided Mikayla Kunkel in earning the win for the Lady Kings. A team overall goals against average of 5.20 is a great indicator of how the team has focused on defence first while the 9.4 goals for also is a good indicator that the team can score key goals when needed.
Provincial playdown action begins next Saturday as Orillia travels to Brampton to play three key games on Saturday with play resuming on Sunday. Six Nations enters the tournament as the favourites but Pritchard likes Orillia’s chances to show well and hopefully bring home a medal.
*************************
