Junior Lexi Leader loads up a shot. (Julia Gurevitz’19/Media staff)

After months of training and regular season play, the Academy girls lacrosse squad put its relentless preparation on display, hammering Bexley and Bishop Watterson in the first two rounds of the regional tournament.

The #2 seed Vikings hosted arch-rival #13 seed Bexley to open the post-season on Thursday, May 17, and flexed their muscles in a 23-5 win. Junior Lexi Leader spearheaded the scoring attack with six goals, while classmate Tani Obikunle and sophomore Lauren Bernacki added four apiece. On the defensive end, freshman goalkeeper Marin Henry continued her strong play, collecting four saves.

CA kept rolling in the quarterfinal on Saturday, May 19, as the Vikes stayed home and routed the #7 seed Bishop Watterson Eagles, 18-2. Academy held possession for the majority of the game, and its explosive offense capitalized on the opportunities. Leader, Obikunle, fellow junior Sydney Hill, and Bernacki each had hat tricks. Freshman Ashley Reynolds was chosen as the MVP for CA due to her brilliant play in goal.

The Vikes have advanced to the regional semifinals and host #3 seed Worthington Kilbourne on Tuesday, May 22. With a win, Academy will book a meeting with either #1 seed DeSales or #4 seed Granville in the finals on Friday, May 25.