Girls Lacrosse: On to the section semis

Farmington advanced to the section semifinals for the 1st time (photo by Jim Lindquist)

The Tigers kicked off their post-season in fine fashion Tuesday night, rolling by Rochester John Marshall/Lourdes 12-8 in the Section 1 quarterfinals at Tiger Stadium.

With the victory fourth-seeded Farmington advanced to the section semifinals Friday afternoon against top-seeded Lakeville South at Lakeville North.

"The girls were ready to play," coach Dan Pickens said. "They came out fast and strong.  Shelby Klotz fired in two early goals and we never looked back."

A huge first half carried the day for the Tigers as they hit the break with a commanding 10-2 lead.

Rachael Welzin 4 goals, assist (photo by Jim Lindquist)

"The girls won 65 percent of the draws tonight which got us possession," Pickens said. "This is what makes or breaks a game. we had the intensity and communication to possess the ball for most of the night."

The Tigers' top scorers for the season--Klotz, Rachael Welzin, Brooke Genzler and Ashley Steffes--scored all 12 of the Farmington goals with Klotz and Welzin leading the way with four apiece.  Genzler and Steffes each scored twice.

Welzin added an assist as did Kylee Glen, Michaela Tonsager, Lindsay Benson and Shaye Jenrich. 

Maddie Kohlbeck 12 saves (photo by Jim Lindquist)

Goalie Maddie Kohlbeck had a big night in the nets for the winners, stopping 12 of the 20 shots she faced.

"Credit Maddie with help putting the get out of reach with some great saves in the first half," Pickens said.

The victory celebration was muted somewhat by an injury to defender Jenrich who went down with a knee injury after being pushed out of bounds near the Tiger bench. Pickens said the injury will likely keep her out the remainder of the playoffs.

"We will need a girl to step up and take her role," Pickens said.

The Tigers (8-6) who will take a six-game winning streak into Friday's match-up with South (11-0) will have their hands full with the Cougars who defeated them 17-7 early in the season.

"We have two big practices to get ready," Pickens said. "We'll be ready."

Shelby Klotz 4 goals vs. JM (photo by Jim Lindquist)