Sophomore Kiersten Thomassey is on the attack. Julia Gurevitz’19/Media staff

After suffering a bitter defeat in last year’s regional final, the long wait to return to the field is over for the Columbus Academy girls lacrosse team. With a wealth of talented girls returning, this squad will have the potential to accomplish special things as it progresses from Spring Break games all the way into the postseason. 

Following weeks of practicing in the frigid weather, the Vikings ventured to Nashville, Tennessee, for a pair of games against top competition. On Wednesday, March 28, Academy topped the University School of Nashville, but fell to Ensworth High on Friday, March 30. The experience was invaluable for the Vikes, as they bonded as a team and shook off the rust before the start of league play.

Back in the bleak and unfavorable weather of Ohio, CA played one of two scheduled exhibitions, traveling to Bexley on Tuesday, April 3. The Vikings came out firing and owned a commanding 9-3 lead at the half. The girls only widened the gap, as they shut out the Lions in the remaining minutes and earned a dominant 17-3 victory. 

Much of Academy’s success against Bexley was due to its abundance of offensive opportunities: the Vikes tallied 17 more shots on goal than their archrival. Junior Lexi Leader and sophomore Lauren Bernacki led the scoring charge for CA, with 4 goals apiece. On the other end, freshman goalie Ashley Reynolds performed tremendously, filling in for injured senior Kelley Antoine.

The Vikings will continue their road stretch as they travel to Granville on Tuesday, April 10, and to Bishop Hartley on Thursday, April 12, hoping to capitalize on the momentum from their rivalry win.