CGA edges Carmel for state lacrosse title

INDIANAPOLIS — Culver Girls Academy lacrosse team captured its sixth state title in 11 years with a 9-8 win over Carmel Saturday.
Erin Thomas scored a goal off a pass from Kelsi Carr with 3:34 left to break an 8-8 tie. The Eagles led at halftime, 5-3, and led 7-4 after a Morgan Osborn goal. But Carmel slowly climbed back and tied the game with under five minutes remaining.
The Eagles were able to win the draw and run the clock down to 39 seconds before turning the ball over, but goalie Clair Fay gathered up the Carmel shot and ran out the clock to preserve the win.
Olivia Rabbitt led CGA with three goals. Annie Morsches and Thomas each added two goals. Morsches also had two assists. Fay made 10 saves. Rabbitt and Morsches were two of the five Indiana high school girls recognized as All-Americans by U.S. Lacrosse.
This is the third straight time the two teams have met in the state championship game, with Carmel winning in 2011 and 2012. Culver had previously won the championship in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, and 2009.
Culver Girls Academy advanced with a 14-5 semifinal win over host Brebeuf on Friday. Carmel posted a 13-9 win over Park Tudor to advance to the championship.
CGA goals: Olivia Rabbitt 3, Annie Morsches 2, Erin Thomas 2, Saralena Barry 1, Morgan Osborn 1. Assists: Morsches 2, Barry 1, Kelsi Carr 1. Saves: Clair Fay 10. Records: CGA 21-1, Carmel 18-3.