BEAR RIVER HIGH – By Tate Atkin, Headliner Sports Writer, April 17, 2022
The Bear River High girls' lacrosse team has been absolutely dominant this year as they have beaten two defending state champion teams as well as four other 5A and 6A schools on their way to a perfect 6-0 record. There is a lot of optimism around this year's squad as they prepare to take that success into region.
On April 1, the Bears hosted last year's Division C State Champions, the Bingham High Miners. With Hailey Larsen in goal and Bentley Lorimer and Jenna LaCroix scooping up nearly every ground ball, the Lady Bears kept the Miners in check only allowing 11 goals. Their offense, powered by junior Marley Kierstead with six goals with three from Sydney Wilkinson and LaCroix each. Many others pitched in with a goal or assists on goals along with a tough defense. It was a total team win as Bear River took down the defending champs from Bingham, 17-11.
The Bears traveled to Salt Lake City on April 7, to face the East High Leopards with hopes of remaining unspotted on the season. Behind yet another stellar performance by Larsen, or “The Beast in Goal” as Bear River High girls’ lacrosse team’s head coach Jeremy Webb calls her, along with stifling team defense, the Bears completely shut down the Leopard’s offense and didn’t allow a single goal.
Offense was not an issue for Bear River as four girls, Kierstead, Lorimer, Shelby Wilkinson and Brooke Paulsen, scored four goals on the night. Others helped fuel the fire scoring multiple goals and assists as Bear River’s offense dominated East High, 25-0.
On Friday, April 15, the Lady Bears started region play on their home field hosting Logan High. They beat the Grizzlies 25-1, with junior Shaylee McKee scoring five, Wilkinson with five of her own and LaCroix with four
When asked about the early success for the Bears, Webb stated, “I would contribute the success of our team to having integrity, excellence and sacrificing for the sisterhood.”
“As we close in on the end of this season and get ready for the playoffs, the sky's the limit. This team is getting better each week, so buckle up, it will be a fun ride to the finish,” Webb added.
The Lady Bears’ successful non-region play has ranked them 8th in the state in the Coach’s Poll and 2nd in RPI standings. As the team gets back on the lacrosse field, they will rely on their early season success as a team and build upon their sisterhood to help power them through their region schedule.
Coming up for the Bear River High girls’ lacrosse team, they host Green Canyon High on Wednesday April 20, before traveling to Mountain Crest High on Friday April 22. All varsity games start at 7 p.m.
Photos by John Fronk
Bear River vs. Bingham - April 1, 2022
