Buchholz Girls Lacrosse Dominates in District Tourney Quarterfinals

The Buchholz Bobcats wasted no time in their 2A-District 5 girls lacrosse tournament quarterfinals Thursday against Groveland South Lake by quickly getting on the scoreboard and often for the 18-1 win.

Two seed Buchholz (13-5) eliminated visiting seven seed South Lake (3-13) to secure a spot in Monday’s semifinals. 

Sophomore Sara Davis opened the scoring off a well-placed assist from Avery Oyenarte. Davis leads the team in goals with 24, but also looks to be a leader as the Bobcats continue into districts.  

“I’m just gonna help my teammates do the best they can and always help out on the field,” Davis said.  

The Bobcats dominated the first quarter in building a 7-1 lead. Bridget Williams led with two goals, while Addyson Myers, Gabby Kutz, Davis and Oyenarte each added one. 

Buchholz’s offense was relentless, taking advantage of South Lake’s struggles to defend the goal. 

Coach Marissa Higgins highlighted how Buchholz’s preparation contributed to the strong start.

“We really focused on connections, on attack, playing the two-man game, revisiting our plays and just making sure that we had each other’s back, ” Higgins said. “I think that really translated to how we started the game.”

Buchholz continued to build the momentum on offense in the second quarter. Sumari Botes got things started with a goal, followed by Myers and Hailey Elshire each finding the back of the net. 

Davis added another goal, this time assisted by Kenzie Griggs, to extend the Bobcats’ lead to 11-1. 

Kutz scored in the final seconds of the third quarter to make it 12-1. The Eagles managed to slow the Bobcats offense, holding them to only one goal. 

The Bobcats showed no mercy going on a six-goal run in the fourth quarter. Davis added another goal off an assist from Elshire, while Kylie McGinity and Rachel Brown each scored their first goals of the night. 

It was an all-around team effort as Buchholz continued to dominate until the final seconds. 

The Bobcats look for a change in outcome after falling short in last year’s tourney semifinals. They face three seed Lake Minneola (10-3) at 7 p.m.  Monday at home. Lake Minneola advanced Thursday with an 11-4 win against six seed Clermont East Ridge (3-13).

Category: Buchholz High School, High School Sports, Lacrosse