For years Mount Hebron girls lacrosse teams were the benchmark for success in Maryland. Between 1992 and 2007 they captured a state championship in each season except for one.
“I’ve always known that Hebron was a great program. In our gym actually we have all of these banners lined up that say Hebron lacrosse number one in the nation in the 90’s to the early 2000’s,” said Mt. Hebron defender Annie Ryan. “We see all the lists of the state championships that Hebron’s won.”
But the Vikings trophy case has been empty since 2007.
For the first time in nine years, Hebron is back in a state final. They play for the Class 3A crown Thursday night.
“Honestly, since the moment that we started practice, we knew that we were going to make it to the state championship,” said Mt. Hebron defender Julia Leishear. “That’s what I believe got us there is confidence.”
“We took the girls in and we showed them that we haven’t won a state title in 11 years. That’s not very Hebron-like. So, we said that needs to change right now,” added Mt. Hebron midfielder Erin Demek.
The Vikings face Westminster for the state title. The Owls are in their first state final in six years and looking for their first state championship.
“They are a very talented, athletic team,” said Mt. Hebron Head Coach Lindsay Menton. “They have a lot of depth. They’re definitely going to give us a game.”
“It’s going to be a heck of a game. I just think that if our head is in the right mental state and we come out playing like this is the last game ever, because for us seniors it is, I have no doubt in my mind that we can come out with a state title,” said Leishear.
Game time Thursday is set for 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson University.
Follow Shawn Stepner on Twitter @StepnerWMAR and Facebook
