Spartans’ recent success comes in two: Smith and Mackin

The defending state champion Spartan girls lacrosse team got off to an iffy start, starting the season with a 1–1 record but have since been red-hot.

By Kevin Doucette • April 6, 2012 11:00 am
The Spartans’ Oliva Smith works here way around a Lakeside defender during the recent 14-8 win against rival Lakeside. Smith was named the player of the week by ESPNHS for her outstanding play against Bellevue East.
The Spartans’ Oliva Smith works here way around a Lakeside defender during the recent 14-8 win against rival Lakeside. Smith was named the player of the week by ESPNHS for her outstanding play against Bellevue East.

The defending state champion Spartan girls lacrosse team got off to an iffy start, starting the season with a 1–1 record but have since been red-hot.

They’ve now won three consecutive games, largely due to the fiery offense of senior captains Olivia Smith and Kelsey Mackin.

During the winning streak, which included wins over other top teams Bellevue East and Lakeside (BHS faced Lakeside in the state final the previous eight seasons), Mackin and Smith combined to score 32 goals.

In the five league games played this season, Mackin is fifth in the league in goals with 27 total goals this season.

Mackin’s best game came on March 26 against rival Lakeside, when she led the team scoring half the team’s goals: seven.

After the Lakeside win, Bainbridge head coach Tami Tommila gave Mackin a big hug. And with a smile, she told Mackin she played a great game and showed great leadership.

“She is a captain who has energy which everyone feeds off,” Tommila said after the 14-8 win.

Both Mackin and Smith bring speed and tremendous ability to throw the ball into the back of the net.

After their win against Bellevue East on March 21, ESPNHS gave high props to Smith, naming her the girls high school player of the week in the country.

Against Bellevue East, Smith had her best scoring game of the season, scoring six goals and adding an assist. Smith also ranks

40th in the league in goals scored, with 15.

There are still seven games left on the schedule and nothing is certain. But if the Spartans can keep up with how they have been playing of late, it could be yet another memorable run for the Spartans.

Smith and Mackin hope to lead Bainbridge to their fourth straight win Tuesday against Snohomish.

Boys lacrosse, soccer, baseball and the undefeated softball team will all also be back in action after the spring break.

The boys lacrosse team play at home on Monday, and both the softball and baseball teams travel to Nathan Hale Tuesday, followed by a home meeting against Chief Sealth.

Chief Sealth, at 10-1, will be the toughest game thus far for the softball team.

The soccer team still has a long break as the Spartans won’t play again until a trip to Bremerton on April 13.