AURORA | As first losses go, the Regis Jesuit girls lacrosse team had one that was equal parts instructional and disappointing Monday night.
The Raiders’ unbeaten run to start the season came to an end at Lou Kellogg Stadium, as Erin Schilmoeller’s go-ahead goal was disallowed by an illegal stick and Molly Erdle scored the tie-breaking goal shortly after to give rival Mullen a 9-8 victory.
Kathryn Blumhardt, Maddie Krause and Faye Hubregson all had two goals apiece for Regis Jesuit (12-1), which is off to the best start in program history despite the loss and is in line for a high seed in the upcoming state playoffs. Mullen (9-4) got three goals from Erdle and Sarah O’Brien to continue its advantage in the series between the teams.
“This just shows us that we can’t come out like a 12-0 team, we have to fight from the very beginning and the fight wasn’t there at the start today,” Schilmoeller said. “There’s almost that security blanket, we’re 12-0 and we’re unbeatable, but really there’s that vulnerability that you’re beatable at any point — especially against a rival.
“It shows us that no matter what team you are up against, you have to come out with fight.”
Indeed the Raiders — coming off a 19-4 rout of Douglas County two days earlier — were on their heels from the beginning against the Mustangs, as Erdle and O’Brien drove hard to the goal and were awarded a variety of free position shots.
Regis Jesuit goalie Emi Smith made a couple of big saves, but Mullen ran off six straight goals to open the contest and lead 6-0 with 8:16 left in the first half.
“We came out flat and that’s definitely not our game,” Raiders coach Billy Corbett said. “We almost looked scared.”
Schilmoeller got stunned Regis Jesuit on the scoreboard with 5:23 left in the half and Krause and Blumhardt also beat Mullen goalie Madeline Streech to make it a 6-3 game at the break. The regrouped Raiders extended their streak to five unanswered goals when Ryleigh Mynatt and Hubregsen — on a pass from Erin Sungelo — found the back of the net in the early stages of the second half.
Back-to-back goals by Madison Khanna pushed the Mustangs’ advantage back to three goals at 8-5 with 14:11 remaining, but Krause scored off a loose ball, Blumhardt drove hard for a goal and Hubregsen converted a shot from a free position with 7:22 left in regulation to knot the score.
Continuing with the momentum, Schilmoeller scored on a free position shot with 5:31 left, but the Mullen defense asked the referee to check her stick. It was judged to be too deep and the goal was disallowed. Minutes later, Erdle scored high past Smith and the Raiders challenged her stick, but the goal was upheld.
“I hate when those kinds of things are game-changers, let it happen on the field; sticks stretch,” Corbett said. “It’s unfortunate, but it happens.”
The Raiders were denied a free shot opportunity with 1:15 left when offsetting fouls were called on both sides and the Mustangs killed off the remaining time with possession.
Regis Jesuit can get back on track right away with a game against visiting Heritage on Tuesday, while they finish out the regular season on May 4 against No. 1 Cherry Creek.
“It was a hard loss, but we came together as a team,” Smith said. “We’ll learn from this and we’ll go hit it hard against Heritage.”
Reach Sports Editor Courtney Oakes at sports@aurorasentinel.com or 303-750-7555
MULLEN 9, REGIS JESUIT 8
Score by halves:
Mullen 6 3 — 9
Regis Jesuit 3 5 — 8
Goals — Mullen: Molly Erdle 3, Sarah O’Brien 3, Madison Khanna 2, Ella Stapp; Regis Jesuit: Kathryn Blumhardt 2, Faye Hubregson 2, Maddie Krause 2, Ryleigh Mynatt, Erin Schilmoeller. Assists — Regis Jesuit: Erin Sungelo.
