Rockford Claims Upset Victory over No. 2 South Lyon United in Girls Lacrosse Championship

In a stunning turn of events, Rockford defeated the heavily favored South Lyon United, ranked second in the state, with a score of 16-9 in the Division 1 girls lacrosse state finals. The match took place on June 5 at Parker Middle School in Howell, where the Rams celebrated their victory without the customary Gatorade shower due to logistical concerns for the subsequent game.

The fifth-ranked Rams, finishing the season at 12-8, initially shocked the defending champions, who boasted a perfect 27-0 record. Rockford made an impressive start, outscoring United 6-2 in the opening quarter, with senior Brooke Gordon contributing three of those goals. “We absolutely did not expect to come out that quickly – absolutely not,” remarked Rams coach Mark Neumen. He emphasized that putting United in a challenging position early on was crucial, as the defending champions had not faced such adversity throughout their season.

Having endured tight contests in their previous seasons, including heartbreaking losses in the finals and semifinals, the Rams were motivated by their past experiences. Neumen noted, “That past experience, that hurt from having lost last year in overtime... that motivated our senior girls.” The team had prepared rigorously over the last few weeks, ensuring they were ready for the high-pressure environment of the championship.

Despite United's attempts to rally, including goals from Gabriela Lucchesi and twin sister Gianna Lucchesi, Rockford consistently responded. Key performances included Ava Wekenman, who had three goals and five assists, and Gordon, who finished the game with a total of six goals. Wekenman expressed confidence in their preparedness, stating, “We’ve been working hard to make sure that we peak at the right time.”

Even as South Lyon United sought to regain control, Rockford maintained composure and continued to push forward, with Neumen praising his team's resilience and focus in practice leading up to the final. “This group was the most relaxed I’ve seen them all year,” he stated, reflecting on their journey to a state championship victory. The Rams displayed their capability to handle pressure, ensuring that they never relinquished the lead throughout the game.