May 14, 2026 — The Lassiter Ladies Lacrosse Trojans rolled into the 2026 Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Division 2 State Championship Game after scoring an impressive 46 goals in their previous three playoff rounds. However, they faced a Milton Eagles team that averaged 20 goals per game during its run to the finals. Adding to the contrast, the Lassiter girls were seeking their first state title while the Lady Eagles had won 18 championships since the sport was sanctioned by the GHSA in 2005. That’s 18 titles in 20 opportunities. The playoffs were not held in 2020 because of the pandemic.
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With that in mind, the Trojans squad took the field on a beautiful, cloudless night at West Forsyth High School, knowing they faced a monumental task. As expected, the championship fight between the two teams was strong early in the game. The first period was uncharacteristically low-scoring for both teams, with Milton scoring the only goal. Both defenses and goalkeepers were ready for the prolific offenses. Lassiter senior keeper Charlotte White added to her 300+ career saves with stellar work between the pipes.
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After the first-period whistle, however, both offenses began to find the back of the net. Senior midfielder Sophie Hortman scored four times in the game, showing why she was selected to the 2026 All-Area First Team.
“She's special,” Lassiter girls lacrosse coach Angela Brunner said about the James Madison University lacrosse commit. “Sophie is a once-in-a-lifetime player to be able to coach, but she’s also a once-in-a-lifetime player to know. She makes everyone around her better, and she works harder than anybody I've ever met.”
Sophie’s four-goal performance, however, wasn’t enough for the Trojans to overcome Milton’s championship pedigree. Seemingly every time Brunner’s team scored to close the gap, Milton answered quickly with a goal or two of its own. In the end, Lassiter fell to the Eagles 12-8 and settled for the second-place trophy.
While disappointed in the outcome, Coach Brunner was happy with the grit and determination her team displayed.
“Our team just fights their tails off,” the Lassiter leader beamed after the runner-up finish. “I'm really proud of them. They didn't give up, and I'm sure they pushed past levels of pain and anguish that they never thought they could. That's going to take them far in life, because when they are challenged, they're going to think back to being on this field and they're going to be ready for whatever comes.”
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Other Trojan goal scorers included juniors Ava Hardy, Hayden Plomaritis, and Chloe Wiersma, showing that Lassiter has a bright future ahead. Excitement about the future, though, was tempered by finishing one win short of the team’s goal. To begin the healing process together, Coach Brunner gathered her team in defeat to emphasize how special they were.
“Sure, I’m sad because we lost,” she told the team. “But I’m more sad because our season is over. I have loved every minute of being with you girls. This has been a great season.”
A great season, without doubt. One step away from a state championship, but student athletes who proved they are Built for Beyond.
