High school girls lacrosse: Alta holds off Murray for championship

SOUTH SALT LAKE — Alta squared off against Murray in the Division I Utah Girls High School State Lacrosse Championship Saturday afternoon at Granite High School and the Hawks pulled out a 14-11 win in a match that saw momentum change several times.

Alta coach Megan Gorringe summed up the feelings of the team when she said: "We have been wanting this for a long time. We have been undefeated in the last three regular seasons. But it only takes one bad day in the playoffs and you're out.

"We love each other a lot," she said, "We play as a team. There are no superstars."

Kristianna Wright may not be a superstar but she tallied four points for the match on two goals and two assists. She was also named league defensive MVP and an All-American. Goalie Tess Collett also turned in a superb performance stopping 12 shots on goal.

Alta looked to be dominating at half with an 8-5 lead. Starting the second half the Hawk's defense intercepted a couple of passes that turned into scores and upped their lead to 11-5.

But Murray didn't die as Stephanie Palmer and Sharlena Prestwich scored five goals each as the Spartans came roaring back. Palmer was named the league's regular season offensive MVP.

Earlier, in the Division II game, Brighton and Skyline fought to a tie in regulation but Brighton prevailed in overtime 10-6.

—Wade Jewkes