A month ago, the CatLaxKillas were searching for consistency and motivation. Now, the Wildcats are one win away from a state championship appearance.
After earning a first-round bye in the regional playoffs, WJ opened its postseason success with an 8-5 win over Whitman in the regional semifinal before defeating B-CC with a 10-3 victory on Monday, May 11 to capture the regional championship. The Wildcats then overwhelmed Richard Montgomery 14-2 on Wednesday, May 13, in the opening round of the MPSSAA Class 4A state playoffs.
“The team has always been really cohesive, but as the season went on, we’ve developed even more chemistry and it shows on and off the field,” senior Evie Avillo said.
Against B-CC, sophomore captain Alina MacDermott led the scoring frenzy with five goals. At the same time, junior Mira Mann added two more as the Wildcats pulled away to secure the regional title. WJ controlled the tempo, combining quick offensive transitions with a defense that limited one of the area’s top teams to just three goals.
That momentum carried into the state bracket against Richard Montgomery, as WJ controlled possession early and pushed the pace in transition. The Wildcat defense stayed aggressive throughout while the offense continued to pile up goals in bunches, never allowing the Rockets to settle into the game.
In its three postseason games, Walter Johnson has outscored opponents 32-10.
The timing could not be better. After battling consistency earlier in the season, the Wildcats are entering the toughest stretch of the year playing their most complete lacrosse.
WJ is set to face St. Mary’s County school Leonardtown on Friday, May 15, at Gaithersburg High School in a neutral-site quarterfinal matchup with a spot in the Class 4A semifinals on the line. Leonardtown advanced after a dominant 19-3 win over Montgomery County opponent Blair on Wednesday and is led by one of the state’s top defensive anchors in Xavier commit and senior goalie Madison Buehler.
Earlier in the regular season, WJ handled the Blazers 14-7. Still, Leonardtown’s explosive offensive performance against Blair in the state quarterfinals, combined with Buehler’s presence in goal, presents an unfamiliar challenge for the Wildcats.
“We can’t find any film on them,” coach Lauren Zucconi said. “We are literally going in blind. [Previously], we had scouted every team and knew exactly how we were going to play.”
With the postseason pressure rising, Walter Johnson girls’ lacrosse looks to win tonight against Leonardtown to advance to the state championship.
