Sayre has too many answers for Henry Clay in girls lacrosse state quarterfinals
Sayre’s Anna Mullikin decided she had enough stamina Saturday to win her faceoffs and get down the field when the Spartans’ girls lacrosse state quarterfinal match against rival Henry Clay felt a bit too close.
When Henry Clay cut Sayre’s lead to 2-1 in the first quarter, Sayre’s senior attacker made it 3-1 just 12 seconds later.
When the Blue Devils got it to 3-2 a while later, Mullikin answered for 4-2 in 13 seconds.
Then Henry Clay tied the game at 4-4 with 27.2 seconds left in the first quarter.
Cue Mullikin. Make that 5-4 Sayre with 2.8 seconds left in the frame.
“When we were tied, I knew we just had to get one up, so I just ran down there. There was no one in my way, so I just went on,” Mullikin explained. “I try to conserve my energy sometimes, but when it’s a tighter game, I’ll just go.”
Mullikin, who’s committed to NCAA Division I High Point, scored seven goals in all, including three straight in the second half to help Sayre defeat the Blue Devils 15-8 at Transylvania University’s Pat Deacon Stadium and advance to Monday’s 8 p.m. state semifinal game against Notre Dame at Shelby County High School.
The Spartans expanded a 7-5 halftime lead to 13-5 with 11:22 to play in the game, shutting Henry Clay out in the third quarter to essentially seal the victory.
“To see how well they put it together today and to know they get to take that into the next game, I’m excited to see where that leads us,” Sayre coach Anna Cook said.
Sayre’s Danica Porter and Celie McKay added three goals apiece. Avery Luring scored twice. Henry Clay (14-7) finished as region runner-up to Sayre a week ago, but then defeated Paul Laurence Dunbar 14-13 on Thursday to reach the Saturday’s quarterfinals.
Next, the Spartans (16-4) will face 5th Region champion Notre Dame (17-1) in the state semifinals. Sayre lost to the Pandas 14-11 in the regular season on April 1. The winner will advance to Wednesday’s 5 p.m. championship game at Collins High School.
GIRLS STATE LACROSSE TOURNAMENT
Saturday’s quarterfinals
(At home sites determined by draw)
Manual 9, Mercy 8.
Sacred Heart vs. Kentucky Country Day (n).
Notre Dame 11, Oldham County 5.
Sayre 15, Henry Clay 8.
Monday’s semifinals
(At Shelby County High School, Shelbyville)
5 p.m.: Manual vs. Sacred Heart-Kentucky Country Day winner.
8 p.m.: Sayre vs. Notre Dame.
Wednesday’s finals
(At Collins High School, Shelbyville)
5 p.m.: Championship game.
This story was originally published May 17, 2025 at 6:51 PM.
