2004 HS Championship: Girls Division – Sunday 23 May

by Jones Oliver

Coverage from Day One

Saturday’s report from the girls division of the 2004 HS Championship’s ended with a forecast of “more wind, rain, and zone defense.” Well, it goes to show that nothing is for certain in Oregon. Sunday’s weather was actually quite nice, even warm. After all the sweatshirts sold out on Saturday, tank tops were selling on Sunday.

In the quarterfinals, Amherst prevailed over Memorial, Yale over Nashville in a close game, Sheldon over Amherst JV, and Deluge in cap over Andover.

Often times in Oregon weather forecasts there’s typically the tagline: “chance of rain”. In national tournaments, there’s often “chance of upset”.

The semis had Sheldon vs. Deluge and Amherst vs. Yale.

First, there was the Sheldon / Deluge game. Saturday’s game between these two teams ended with a Callahan and a dog pile. Sunday’s game began by trading points. Lilith sculpted a slim lead at 4-3 and eventually was able to extend the distance 12-8. Deluge, however, rallied to close the gap to 13-12. With cap on, Lilith closed the game with the next score. The first year team from Eugene, pre-seeded fourth in their pool, was on its way to the finals with a chilly offense and a solid defense.

In the other semifinal game, Amherst vs. Yale, Yale jumped out first and then extended the lead to 3-1. Amherst, undaunted, tied the game at 5-5. The teams went to halftime with Yale leading 8-6. Yale, not having much respect for history, maintained the lead and closed the game out, making the finals game a NW showdown with two first-year teams.

There was a light downfield breeze and the sun was shining.

After field #12 was flagged off, Yale and Lilith stepped out to play for the 2004 trophy. Lilith took the first point of the game. Yale marched back to tie it up and continued on until they had a 5-1 lead. Halftime found Yale up 8-2. After the break, Yale continued to dominate the field. Yale, pre-seeded six out six in their pool entering the tournament, prevailed over Lilith 15-4.

Stuyvesant won the Consolation Bracket, placing 9th over all in the tournament and they took home the trophy many consider the most important in an ultimate tournament, the Spirit of the Game award.

Next year’s forecast: Eastern High School Championship Tournament will be held in Pittsburgh, PA and the Western High School Championship Tournament will be in Seattle, WA.