The Steamboat Springs girls lacrosse team made history Friday night, defeating the Aspen Skiers for the first time in the program’s existence. 

Aspen has always left a bitter taste in the mouths of the Sailor girls who had faced nothing but crushing defeats at the hands of the Skiers until Friday’s 11-8 victory, bringing the team’s season record to 3-0. 

“We have 15 seniors this year who remember four years ago as freshmen when Aspen beat us 23-1,” said head coach Liz Diefendorf. “It’s been a long time coming. This is a moment we worked really hard for over the timespan of years.”

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Steamboat captain Alicia Sabin said the girls have bonded really well to this point of the season. She picked out Wednesday night as a crucial moment for team morale when the girls gathered at Snow Bowl Steamboat and participated in the Bowling Against Bullying event. They even won the costume contest, sporting bald caps during the fundraising event. 

“This is the biggest senior class we have ever had and it brings a lot of leadership and confidence,” said captain Grace O’Reilly. “We are all really supportive of the younger girls which helps a lot.” 

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The offensive production from the Sailors has been nothing short of impressive so far. The team has managed double-digits in each of its three games, with a heap of goals coming from underclassmen Hailey Znamenacek, sophomore, and Julia Sturges, freshman. 

Defensively, the goaltending tandem of senior Sophie Picking and junior Sunny Winn have been nothing short of spectacular through three games. Picking amassed 21 saves in her first two games of the season and will continue to be a stud in the net. 

Senior captain Anna Rushton was the biggest ball of energy among the Sailors following Friday night’s historic win. She said the team’s confidence is at an all-time high and the girls are ready to take on any opponent. 

“This is our villain era,” she said. “I know it’s only been a week but I swear we are looking at big things coming up. Four years of pain have led up to this day and I have never been happier. If you could ask me the peak moment of life, this is that day.” 

Next up for the Sailors is a road game against Eagle Valley on Monday before a rematch in Aspen on Thursday. 

This Week’s Scores:
Steamboat Springs 16, Summit 8
Grand Junction 8, Steamboat Springs 12
Aspen 8, Steamboat Springs 11