The Lakewood High School girls lacrosse team embarked on a historic journey this past weekend, traveling to Columbus for its first appearance in the Galipault Wolford Classic. Held at Thomas Worthington High School, the event drew some of the top teams from across Ohio, marking a significant milestone for the Rangers.
The trip was a defining moment for the team, which has been steadily building its program over the past several years. Coach Michelle Blauman, in her second season leading the team, expressed pride in her players’ resilience and growth.
“Competition in Columbus is generally more tough than what we see in Cleveland,” Blauman said. “Even if it’s in Columbus, there are teams from Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and even Kentucky. They try to match you with even-strength teams, but sometimes, like with our program, because we are so new, it is hard to do that.”
The Rangers faced a challenging schedule, including games against powerhouse programs such as Hilliard Davidson and Dublin schools. Despite tough losses, the team showed resilience and a desire to improve. Senior captain Vashti Arrow highlighted the significance of the trip.
“This was a great opportunity for us to see where we stand and what we need to work on,” Arrow said. “Playing against some of the top teams in different areas pushed us to elevate our game, and I think we learned a lot from it, and we learned a lot about each other.”
Established in 1979, the Galipault Wolford Classic is one of Ohio’s oldest lacrosse tournaments. It serves as a showcase for emerging programs and talented athletes, providing a platform for student-athletes to demonstrate their skills to other programs and coaches, while celebrating the sport’s progress.
For Lakewood, participating in the tournament was a step toward elevating the program’s profile. The team’s participation was made possible through community support and fundraising efforts, which helped cover travel expenses and tournament fees.
“This trip has inspired us as a new team and shown us that hard work can open doors to new opportunities,” Senior player Kirsten Loyd said.
The excursion also allowed players to bond outside of the typical game and practice setting. Between games in the morning, the team had substantial downtime to walk around, get food and bond with each other. Blauman emphasized the importance of team chemistry in their development.
“Trips like this build camaraderie and trust among the players,” she said. “That chemistry translates to better teamwork on the field, which is crucial for our continued growth.”
As the team returns home, their coaches and players are already looking forward to the next chapter. The trip to Columbus marked a historic milestone for Lakewood High School girls lacrosse—a demonstration of progress, perseverance and the promise of future success.
“Our journey is just beginning,” Blauman said. “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished, and we’re eager to see where this takes us.”
