In an unprecedented display of skill and teamwork, the Temecula Valley girls’ lacrosse team has etched its name into the history books. On Saturday, May 11, at El Modena High’s Fred Kelly Stadium, the Golden Bears outplayed Roosevelt with an 11-5 victory, clinching the Division 3 CIF Southern Section title and becoming the first-ever local team to grasp such an honor.
The match was nothing short of spectacular, as senior Kelsey Lurkins and junior Aubrey Chang led the charge, combining to score seven goals. Their performance underpinned Temecula Valley’s dominant run in the playoffs, where they won four of their five matches by a margin of at least six goals, showcasing their undeniable skill and making a statement on the field.
From the get-go, Temecula Valley (18-6) seized control of the championship game. They initiated an onslaught that saw them go 5-0 up in the opening minutes of the second period. Chang opened the scoring tally 2 1/2 minutes into the match, which was subsequently followed by a series of successful draws that helped the Golden Bears dominate possession. Kerrigan Lurkins and Kelsey Lurkins both found the back of the net, bolstering their lead, while Kaylee Cadez’s goal solidified their advantage early on.
Reflecting on the team’s unity and camaraderie, Kelsey Lurkins shared, “I think our bonds on and off the field have been very important. You can’t play this sport on your own. You need your teammates. We all came together to make it happen.”
The Golden Bears’ road to victory was nuanced by determination and perseverance. Competing in the Southwestern League, comprising powerhouse teams like Murrieta Mesa, Chaparral, and Vista Murrieta, Temecula Valley finished fourth in the league. However, their resilient performance earned them a coveted spot in the CIF Southern Section’s playoffs, setting the stage for their historic run.
Reflecting on the team’s achievement, head coach Chris Hamill, who has dedicated three decades to coaching at Temecula Valley, remarked, “We always felt like something special could happen if we could just find a way into the playoffs. This year, we finally had a .500 record and got that at-large spot. I told the girls, ‘You’re about to create memories that you’re never going to forget.’”
The elation was intense among the players, especially the seniors, as they realized the magnanimity of their achievement. “It’s so exciting and almost doesn’t feel real,” exclaimed an emotional Lurkins. “We worked so hard for this, out there every day and taking no breaks. I think I started crying during the final seconds today.”
With no CIF Regional or State Championship for lacrosse, the Division 3 Southern Section title marks the pinnacle of success for these aspiring athletes. The Golden Bears’ triumph not only exemplifies their unmatched skill and dedication but also serves as a source of inspiration for future generations of girls lacrosse teams in the area. Their victory is a testament to what can be achieved when talent is combined with relentless hard work and a unified team spirit.
The player roster for Temecula Valley includes: Abbi Reuther (So) – M, Kelsey Lurkins (Sr) – M, Ella Huber (Sr) – A, Macee Jacobsen (Jr) – D, Ella Barrera (Sr) – D, Riley Barnhart (Jr) – D, Rachel Andrews (Jr) – A, Kennedy Dewing (Jr) – D, Julia Tiemann (Jr) – M, Janelle Monaghan (Jr) – G, Anjali Baraichi (So) – D, Tavi Barsamin (So) – D, Berlyn Brown (So) – M, Kerrigan Lurkins (So) – A, Kaylee Cadez (Jr) – M, Alexa Barajas (Sr) – M, Carmela Gueli (Sr) – A, Aubrey Chang (Jr) A, Carmen Quigley (Sr) – A. The coaches for Temecula Valley include: head coach Chris Hamill, Hayley Holmquist (assistant coach), and Robert Lurkins (statistician).
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