Moment: GRCC Nets Goal-fest Winner in OT
May 18, 2020
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Nearly a decade later, the 2011 Division 2 Final between Grand Rapids Catholic Central and Bloomfield Hills Academy of the Sacred Heart remains tied for the highest-scoring in the MHSAA’s 15-year girls lacrosse history.
And Haley Brennan’s goal with 6.4 seconds left in overtime pushed the Cougars ahead 17-16 on the way to clinching their lone championship in the sport.
The winner was Brennan’s fourth goal of the day. She just missed making the MHSAA record book for goals in a championship game, but four others did – and Sacred Heart goalie Mei-Mei Rose still holds the record of 18 saves from that afternoon.
Sacred Heart teammates Katie Mezwa and Anna Pearson both were added to the records list with seven goals apiece that day, as were GRCC’s Emily Braun and Megan Wilson (pictured above) after both scored five. The teams were tied at 15-15 heading into extra time; GRCC scored first with 2:16 to play in the first three-minute half of overtime, and Sacred Heart answered just more than three minutes later. Brennan’s score was the third and final of OT.
Watch below for her winning goal from the MHSAA Network.
Moment: 'Back-to-Back Mek' Paces Rams
May 26, 2020
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
The Vander Molen sisters have been constants over Rockford’s record string of seven consecutive Division 1 girls lacrosse championships.
The 2016 Final was the last high school game for oldest sister Alexandra. And middle sister Mekenzie made sure her mentor finished her time with the Rams as a four-time champion.
Mekenzie Vander Molen found the net with 5:46 and 4:50 to play against Birmingham United to give Rockford its first lead as the Rams scored the game’s final four goals for a 12-9 title-clinching victory.
“It meant a lot for me to be on the same team as my sister for this last championship for her,” Mekenzie Vander Molen said that day. “I’ve learned almost everything from my older sister. I’ve learned how to take better shots, better passes, certain things in certain situations.
“She said, ‘You’ve played a very good game. I’m very proud of you.’”
While Alexandra was held to just one goal that day, Mekenzie scored three and youngest sister Karrington also scored once. All three eventually graduated as four-time champions.
Click for coverage of the 2016 championship game from Second Half and watch below for the Rams’ tying and go-ahead goals from the NFHS Network.