2 Milwaukee-area teams to play in first WIAA sanctioned lacrosse championship

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- For the first time in the history of the WIAA, girls' and boys' lacrosse teams will be crowned state champions. On the girls' side, University School and Kettle Moraine step into the draw circle looking for a title.

"This does feel different, this feels like a bigger deal. It feels like the state is making a much bigger deal out of it," said Kara McMahon, University School of Milwaukee's head coach.

McMahon and her University School Wildcats are used to the big stage. USM won two of the three previous titles in the previous Wisconsin Lacrosse Federation but lost in the title game a season ago to Arrowhead. Then then got revenge for that loss and a regular season defeat at the hands of Arrowhead in the sectional title just this week. Now, it's a rematch with Kettle Moraine.

"We really should put everything on the line, this is our last game of the entire season so let's really take advantage of it, let's play for our team, let's focus on getting that win," said Isabel Werner, team captain.

"Our girls, our players, they play for each other, they're a family and they play for each other. It's really what makes this all work. KM is a strong team, but we feel confident," said McMahon.

The Kettle Moraine Lasers won the regular season matchup 15-10. The squads also met in last year's postseason in a game won by USM. Kettle Moraine head Coach Mike Magill says hei team's been building to this moment.

"To have a shot at the first WIAA state championship and have it be our first trip to state. It's just like an incredible feeling. I can't put it into words," said Mike Magill, head coach.

"It's the last game of the season, it's the last game for some seniors. I'll be playing in college, so I need to make my final mark for KM. So, I think it shows that we need to put a lot of fire out there and leave everything on the field," said Josey Horter, team captain.

A title is not the only thing on the line. By making state, the Lasers are already making their coach fulfill a preseason promise.

"The deal was we make state, hair comes off, we win state, I get a tattoo. We'll see," said Magill. "Never been happier to get a tattoo in my life. This will be great, a fantastic edition."

The championship game is set for Saturday, June 8, at 1:00 p.m. in Sun Prairie.