TUKWILA – Eastside Catholic’s first-ever win in girls lacrosse against Bainbridge came at the perfect time for the Crusaders.

For the Spartans?

Not so much.

EC stormed away with an improbable 16-11 win in the state championship game Friday, and the Crusaders claimed the crown while denying the Spartans of a 10th state title and a storybook perfect season.

The loss was Bainbridge’s first of the year, and the only blemish on a 15-1 season.

“We didn’t play our best game tonight — a lot of mistakes,” said Bainbridge Coach Tami Tommila.

“And they didn’t make very many mistakes. Credit Eastside Catholic. From one end to the other, they played great,” Tommila said.

“It’s nice to see a team play that well. They saved their best for the last game of the year,” she added.

Tommila said she was proud of her Spartan squad, a young team with 10 freshmen on the roster.

“Every game you come into, one team is going to win it and one team isn’t.

It’s hard in the 16th game when you don’t come out with a win. Not for a lack of trying.”

Though Bainbridge scored first in the championship finale, EC quickly recovered and led 9-7 at halftime.

The Spartans couldn’t answer the offensive onslaught from the Crusaders, who outscored Bainbridge 7-4 in the second half.

It was the second title for EC, and came via back-to-back championship seasons.

Bainbridge was the team to beat coming in, with a string of 14 victories and a No. 1 ranking in Washington state. EC was ranked third.

The Crusaders crushed it on both ends, led by Carlin Reilly’s five goals.

EC also enjoyed the advantage on draws (15-14).

Bainbridge’s scoring again came from offensive leaders Sophia Hagstromer, who had four goals, and Mackenzie Chapman, who had three. Kendall Havill also finished with a hat trick for BHS. Maggie Sweeney scored BHS’s only other goal.