Within the first five minutes of the first half, Coppell girls lacrosse set the tone of the game with back to back scoring led by senior captain Claire Bryant and sophomore attacker Sydney Gunnels. 

However, this did not deter Keller as it responded immediately with two goals, tying the game. This pattern would continue throughout the match. 

On Friday, Coppell won, 14-12,  in overtime against Keller at Lesley Field. 

Last year, Coppell lost to Keller by one point with five  seconds left in the second half. 

In overtime, Coppell sophomore Ally Gunnels scored with a quick move to the goal to bring the score 13-12. With 30 seconds left in overtime, Bryant scored the game-winning shot. 

“To have redemption, especially my senior year, is just super satisfying,” Coppell senior captain Claire Bryant said. “I think [this game] was really a turning point. This was the first close game that we’ve won in a while.” 

As each team attempted to outperform the other, Coach coach Logan Hendrick could be seen from the sidelines passionately directing the girls and falling to her knees in frustration when Coppell violated the 3-second rule, awarding Keller with a free position. 

“We played very disciplined and focused,” Hendrick said. “We knew it was going to be a tough game. But [the team] did beyond what we could have ever prepared them for and just went out and we’re just extremely proud of them. This game was very, very strategic. Both myself and the coach for Keller [Chad Truby],  strategy is our thing. We both had to out–strategize [each other].” 

In the past, maintaining composure during a high intensity match was something the girls lacrosse team struggled with,  according to Hendrick.

“We did not panic when we had the ball,” Bryant said.  “Especially in those last 40 seconds. We managed to just play our game and stay disciplined.” 

Prior to the first half, Coppell took a 12 second moment of silence to honor 22-year old Caitlin Rogers. 

“Before our game, one of our teammates, [Coppell senior attacker] Finley Tipton reminded us of Caitlin, the alumni we just lost and we really just channeled that energy and played for her, which was super special.” 

On Thursday, girls lacrosse takes on Rockwall at Lesley Field at 6:30 p.m. Bryant hopes to bring the same energy to dominate the next match. 

“The energy that we had going into overtime is something that I haven’t felt from this team in a really long time,” Bryant said. “Even before we played, the energy was there and we all knew that this is something that we’ve wanted for a long time.” 

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