UA girls shuffle to 11th state championship
Saturday, June 3, 2023
By Scott Hennen
shennen@cbussports.com
Upper Arlington’s Kampbell Stone (10) splits a pair of Olentangy Liberty defenders during the Golden Bears’ 14-10 win over the Patriots in a Division I state championship game on June 3 at Historic Crew Stadium. Photo: Michael Rich
You’re playing in a state championship game. It’s the last game you’ll play at the high school level, and you’re in a second rain delay. What do you do? Obviously have a dance party.
The Upper Arlington girls lacrosse team weathered two lightning delays including a 1-hour, 36-minute stoppage at halftime as the Golden Bears defeated Olentangy Liberty 14-10 in the Division I state title game June 3 at Historic Crew Stadium.
UA finished 21-3 under first-year coach Laura Sandbloom and won the program’s 11th state championship. The game lasted 4:18 and had weather delays totaling 2:56.
“I did dance, are you kidding? I was the first one on the dance floor,” said Sandbloom, a 2006 UA graduate. “I think we forget that these are high school sports and that these are kids and they just want to go out and have fun and spend time together. When you let them do that they go out and kick (butt) and perform for you.
“I think they will never forget it. They will never forget it. I could have never guessed that I would be back here wearing all this (UA colors) and with this group of girls. It’s special.”
Upper Arlington’s Abbie Dunlap (9) fights through contact from Olentangy Liberty’s Cami Callander (19) during the Golden Bears’ 14-10 win over the Patriots in a Division I state championship game on June 3 at Historic Crew Stadium. Photo: Michael Rich
Kampbell Stone scored 26 seconds into the game and the Golden Bears would never trail again. Madeline Pohmer scored with 13:59 left in the first half as Liberty tied the game at 4, but Stone scored with 11:42 left in the half to give UA the team for good.
“Rain delays slowed down the energy but we had dance parties and still stayed focused,” said Stone, who scored six goals on seven shots on goal. “At first the coaches talked to us about the game plan and they left us alone to do what we wanted to do like listen to music and have a dance party.
“I couldn’t have asked for anything better. It’s the best crew and I wouldn’t have won it for anything else.”
Lilly Stelzer scored four goals and added two assists in the victory. The senior attacker said UA was no stranger to delays.
“(The delays were) unexpected but we have dealt with this before,” Stelzer said. “Our final regular season game (14-3 in against visiting Medina on May 12) didn’t start until after 9 (p.m.) because of the weather but that was before the game.
“I thought this delay gave us momentum. I have never played on a team like this. We were so close and lifted each other up.”
Lexi Bird scored on a pass from Makena Harrington with 21:24 left in the second half as Liberty cut its deficit to two at 8-6 but it was as close as the Patriots (21-3) would come.
Upper Arlington’s Abbie Dunlap (9) and teammates celebrate the Golden Bears’ Division I state championship after defeating Olentangy Liberty 14-10 on June 3 at Historic Crew Stadium. Photo: Michael Rich
The Golden Bears defeated host Liberty 14-12 on April 11 in OCC-Central Division play. UA went on to win the league title.
“I think we were all so confident,” said Stone, who signed to play at Ohio State. “I think we were so well-prepared. The coaching staff prepared us so well with scouting reports.”
Last season, Upper Arlington played in the state championship, falling 13-12 to New Albany.
“Last year, we had never been under this type of pressure before,” Stelzer said. “Having that experience helped us keep our composure in a way we couldn’t last year.”
Harrington had three goals and an assist to lead UA, and sophomore attacker Corrina Hilmas, who attended UA as a freshman, added two goals and an assist.
Senior attackers Paige Brewer and Brennan Campbell both had one goal and one assist for UA. Junior midfielders Lilly Boyle and Abbie Dunlap both scored goals, and junior goalie Abbie Black had three saves. Junior midfielder Isabelle Pohmer, sophomore attacker Brenna Heffernan and freshman defender Megan Benton all had one goal, and junior goalie Alayna Bogner had four saves.
“This year we were into visualizing things and manifesting that we would win this,” Stone said. “Staying energized and loose in the locker room helped us a lot.
“Kami Calendar won the dance party. She showed up with a random move. It was a just dance song she remembered when she was young. It was amazing.”