Orono vs Chanhassen Recap

The fourth seeded Orono Spartans looked to play spoiler to number one seeded Chanhassen Storm in the Section 2 Semifinals. Following their 24-22 victory over Chaska, Orono looked to carry on their scoring onslaught against the Storm. Chanhassen meanwhile defeated their Round 1 opponent, Shakopee, 17-3 and would look to carry on their defensive prowess.

Collins (left) and Welder (right) await the draw. Photo: JP Fischer

The game would open up with back-and-forth action for the first five minutes. Allie Welder (8G, 1A) would open the scoring for Chanhassen, followed by another quick goal for Chanhassen from Cassidy Bergstrom (3G). Orono would come right back, scoring two quick goals of their own, coming from Layla Nick (5G) and Celie Dahl (3G). Following the back-and-forth action, Chanhassen would come out to a 4-3 lead with more than 20 minutes remaining in the first half. Orono would quickly change the tide of the game.

Led by hat tricks from Layla Nick and Dylan Collins (7G, 2A), the Spartans went on an 8 goal run to reach a lead of 11-4. A strong performance in the draw circle allowed the Spartans to essentially play make it, take lacrosse, and keep the Storm from even attempting to score. On top of long possession time, Orono was able to take advantage of every chance they had. With the help from strong coaching, Orono was determined to take the middle of the field on every dodge and set themselves up for great opportunities in front of the net.

Layla Nick lines up for an 8-meter shot. Photo: JP Fischer

Chanhassen would stop the Orono run with 9 minutes remaining in the first half, but Orono would then score twice more to make the score 13-5 late in the first. Refusing to go down without a fight, Chanhassen would respond with a run of their own. Led by Welder and Bjugan, Chanhassen would begin to dominate the draw and play make it take of their own, scoring six unanswered goals late in the second. This run would vastly close the Orono lead and bring the halftime score to 13-11.

Gabby Bjugan catches the ball on crease and turns to shoot. Photo: JP Fischer

These two teams would then spend the remainder of the game trading punches, trying to deliver the knockout blow to take control of the game. Despite two more goals from Orono, Chanhassen would quickly knab four more and tie the game at 15 a piece with over 18 minutes remaining in the second half. The two squads would then go goal for goal until the game was tied at 17. This would be when Chanhassen could seal the deal on the game.

After stretching their lead to 2 at 19-17, and tying their largest lead of the night, Orono’s Collins would bring the game back to within one goal with a little over 7 minutes remaining. Despite moment shifting towards the Spartans, Chan’s Hannah Grimm would bring the lead back to 2 for the Storm. Then with Orono threatening to score to bring it back to a one goal game, Chanhassen’s Katie Colleran would make a doorstep save, preserving the two goal lead. Finally, Chanhassen would score the late two goals of the game, making the final score 22-18 Chanhassen.

Katie Colleran shouts out plays for her defense. Photo: JP Fischer

Orono finishes the season with a 9-6 record, including 4-3 and a fourth-place finish in the Metro West Conference. Meanwhile, Chanhassen improves to 12-3 on the year, including 6-1 in the Metro West. Chanhassen will face off against Eden Prairie in the Section 2 Final for a chance to return to the state tournament.