By Michael Lindsay
The Cookeville Lady Cavalier lacrosse team wrapped up their 2023 season Saturday morning in the Tennessee Girls Lacrosse Association state championship game in Seymour as they fell to Ravenwood, 19-3.
Cookeville’s state runner-up finish is the best in program history and has set a new standard for Lady Cavalier lacrosse.
“Moving forward, we’ve definitely laid the foundation to get better and better each year,” said Cookeville head coach Resa Roberts. “We should have a strong showing and win our region from here on out. We’ve been working to build this program since middle school, and we don’t expect anything but success in the future.
“They were willing to put the work in and practice, plain and simple,” Roberts added on the 2023 team. “They wanted to be on the field every single chance they got. Rain, snow, sleet or shine, they never wanted to cancel practice or not work. They wanted to watch film and fellowship together, and that’s what got us here.”
Overall #1-seed Ravenwood never trailed in Saturday’s championship game. The Raptors held a 13-2 halftime lead.
“This was definitely not our game or the best these girls have played,” Roberts said. “But it’s okay; I think the girls know deep down know they had more to put on the field.”
Cookeville’s Cara Lee Gilbert, Anzly Roberts and Bella Roberts each scored a goal in the state championship game in front of a packed Lady Cavalier crowd.
“Cookeville fans are the best fans, hands down,” coach Roberts said. “These parents have been here for us; they’ve stood in the rain and cheered, cooked for us, fed us, prayed over the girls, you name it. I have never seen a group of fans like these Cookeville parents. They have as much ownership of us getting here as we do.”
Saturday’s championship game was the final one in a Lady Cavalier uniform for seniors Sally Marcum, Molly Smith, Liza Buckner, Ella Casey, Chloe Sullivan, Bella Roberts and Brookelyn Walls.
“Our seniors were unbelievable,” coach Roberts said. “They were incredible leaders on and off the field, and were constantly thinking about ways to improve team chemistry and our play on the field.”
