Green Levels women’s lacrosse team has qualified for the NCHSAA playoffs for the second time in school history. Last time this was achieved was during the 2023 school year, when the team finished the season with a winning record of 9-8.
The team led a strong group of 5 seniors and a few other key underclassmen such as Freshman Carly Morizio, Sophomore Rowan McElreath, and Sophomore Eliina Hilmas, who was awarded the Quad City 7 defensive player of the year by playing the goalie position. At one point during the season she was leading the state in save percentage, across all 8 classes. This is her first year playing on the team but she has already left a profound impact.
“I was surprised that I was leading the state when they first told me, but I’m very proud of that. I think that the team has really come together since the start of the season.” Hilmas stated, “We have been working hard in practice and I’m really proud of us for beating Green Hope, which was the game that gave us a winning overall record.”
The Gators will be traveling to Northwest Guilford for their first match of the State Playoffs. Northwest Guilford is ranked #8 going into the playoffs, and Green Level is close behind being ranked #9.
During the last playoff run during 2023, the Gators traveled to East Chapel Hill for a first round game. The Gators were defeated and their season ended there. Since then the Gators haven’t made the playoffs up until this year, making this a record breaking season.
The last time the team ended the regular season with a winning record was the 22-23 season, finishing 10-9 and securing 4th in the conference.
“It’s really exciting to be able to be a part of this team, and along with me it’s the most of the teams first time ever being in a playoff tournament.” Hilmas remarked, “We have a good chance of winning because they are so similarly ranked to us, but regardless of what happens, I’m so proud of this team and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish next year,”
If the Gators are able to pull off an upset win, they will make history with the first time Women’s Lacrosse has won a playoff game, then travel to the #1 seed Pinecrest High School in Southern Pines for the 2nd round of games.
