Emma Richards didn’t hold back.
“I’m amazing,” the junior gushed when asked how she was feeling.
And why not? Richards led Colorado Academy to an 8-3 decision of regular power Cherry Creek to win the girls lacrosse championship on a frigid Wednesday night at Peter Barton Stadium at the University of Denver.
It was the Mustangs’ second championship since sanctioning in 1998. Their only other title came in 2000.
Richards scored the game’s first goal, and off the Mustangs went — they never trailed in finishing 16-3 and they owned it all night. The Bruins, runners-up a year ago and 10-time champions, were firmly on the minds of the Mustangs entering the game.
“Creek has such an amazing team, and coming into this, honestly, we were terrified,” Richards said.
It didn’t show. Colorado Academy easily carried most of the play, spread out its scoring, turned in terrific defense and rode superior goaltending by sophomore Bridget Sutter.
While the Bruins’ best response was leveling the match at 2-2 (both goals by Colorado-bound Caroline Perry) late in the first half, the Mustangs’ Henley Hall, a senior — and one of only three on the roster — scored the first of her two goals 2:03 before half.
More scoring came from Ella Annest (two goals late) as well as freshman Lauren Russell and sophomore Claire Wright. And in addition to Sutter standing tall, the Bruins, who also ended 16-3, shot a bunch of attempts wide. Cherry Creek frequently found itself on the wrong end of playing keep-away.
“We pressed the ball up the field and even when we had the turnovers we were able to get the ball back,” CA coach Steph Sanders said.
Plus, she said, having Richards doesn’t hurt.
“She’s an impact player and leader on our team,” I’m glad she’s on our team.”
Neil H. Devlin: ndevlin@denverpost.com or
MVP
Colorado Academy’s Emma Richards scored the game’s first goal and off the Mustangs went — they downed ever-presebt Cherry Creek 8-3 to win the girls lacrosse title.
