BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity lacrosse team is heading back to familiar territory after a stunning come from behind win over Mt. Hebron on Wednesday in the state 3A-East region championship.
The Seahawks battled all evening with Mt. Hebron, which jumped out to a quick early lead, but found themselves behind by four goals late in the game as the clock ticked down and a possible return to the state semifinals started to drift away. However, the resilient Seahawks reeled off five straight goals including the game-winner by Ellie Dutton with just over a minute remaining to take a 10-9 lead.
Decatur opened the 3A-East Section II playoffs as the top seed and quickly put away Bayside South rival Bennett, 21-5, last Friday. Back in action on Monday, the Seahawks faced Chesapeake at home in a steady cold drizzle and turned in a workman-like performance to advance to the region championship game on Wednesday at home against Mt. Hebron.
Mt. Hebron led 5-3 at the half and extended its lead to four games with about seven minutes left in the game before Decatur started going to work. The Seahawks scored four unanswered goals to tie the game late and won it, 10-9, on Dutton’s goal with 1:15 remaining. The final minute clicked away, touching off an emotional celebration on the field for the Seahawks.
The win propelled Decatur into the state 3A semifinals for the fifth time in the last six years. Last year, the Seahawks were dispatched in the region championship game by Chesapeake, but they are back where they belong after Wednesday’s dramatic win. Decatur will face Westminster in the state semifinals on Friday. The state championship game is set for Monday.
