GREEN BAY – The Notre Dame Tritons competed against the Bay Port Pirates in an intense rivalry lacrosse game. The night was more than just the game though, the Tritons celebrated their four seniors leaving the program at the end of the season and Notre Dame celebrated their last game on the turf they’d played 17 years on.
The game started fast with two goals from Tritons’ Midfielder Josalyn White but the game was far from one sided. Bay Port answered back with two goals of their own before a third goal from White ended the first quarter with the Tritons barely ahead 3-2.
The battle continued right where it left off, both teams keeping their feet firmly on the gas. The second quarter went about the same as the previous, both teams battling for every possession. A Goal from White early followed by a goal from 15 yards out by Notre Dame senior Emily Bill. After many attacks inevitably simmered out: Pirates’ attacker Lyla Specht found the back of the net from close; to end the first half Notre Dame up 5-2.
Halftime was more than just 10 minutes of burger eating and twiddling thumbs though. Notre Dame would celebrate their final game on the oldest turf field in the state by celebrating the four Tritons lacrosse seniors. Parents wore pins with their child’s face and underclassmen delivered flowers and gift baskets to the teammates they looked up to while the seniors name and future plans were being read and hugs were exchanged.
After an extended half time and a speech from Tritons head coach Hailey Anderson to get the players back in the game the second half kicked off. The teams both looked even more desperate for the win as the game went on. The first score came almost 40 minutes after the last time the ball touched the nylon off a powerful shot from White at the 9:33 mark. The Pirates and Tritons would trade goals in the sixth minute with accurate shots from Kristina Kruse and Tinamarie Coronado keeping the NDA lead at three goals. Just three minutes later a high disputed penalty close to the goal gave Notre Dame a free play and White goal. One final goal from Emily Bill would round out the third quarter with the Tritons now firmly in the driver seat of a five goal lead.
The Pirats were in the rearview mirror but didn't stop reaching for the wheel; starting the final quarters scoring with an Eva Orr goal only four minutes in. The Notre Dame defense captained by fourth-year senior Emily Kukiela and young goalkeeper Maya Christensen would control the ball from there, stopping attempted attack after attempted attack. The Tritons backline only allowed two more Pirate goals from a late comeback attempt started by Lily Lyons and Annabelle Oberhuber. With an additional goal from Lucy Philips the Tritons end victorious 11-6 for the final time on their home turf.
Construction of a brand new turf and track surface will begin May 1 and the Triton fans came in to show their appreciation of the final game being played. Even Green Bay Distillery showed their support with a concessions stand takeover serving specialty burgers and drinks. “17 years and so many accomplishments and victories on this turf it’s really an honor seeing this legacy,” said Notre Dame athletics director Matt Koenig, “This was a good time to do it, finishing August first so any further push back and it would impact our fall athletics.”
The Tritons will continue the rest of their season away, traveling to Verona High School to play the Wildcats at 10 A.M. on Saturday May 10.
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