The Tigers women’s lacrosse team finished its season with a 19-2 overall record, advancing to the semifinals of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) playoffs.
After beating Hoggard High School on May 3 and Pinecrest High School four days later, the Tigers defeated Topsail High School 10-8 on May 14 to reach the final four.
With a conference title in hand and only one loss during the regular season—an away game to Weddington High School on March 15—the Tigers hoped that this year would be the year to win it all.
“After our first loss of the season to Weddington, we knew what we needed to work on,” senior midfielder Addie Gilner explained. “We definitely got better throughout the season, which helped us to feel even more prepared for playoffs.”
The team lost to Cardinal Gibbons High School 8-16 on May 15, though, one game short of the title game.
The team fell just of one its two major goals—“to win the conference and state championship,” head coach David Gilner said.
Siblings and co-captains Scarlett Gilner, who led the team with 112 goals and 71 assists, and Addie Gilner helped guide the team to its deep playoff run. Juniors Ashton Beale (midfielder) and Emily Breschi (attack) were also co-captains.
Both players and coaches emphasized the close-knit community and shared competitive attitudes that helped fuel the Tigers’ success.
“This team’s grit, athleticism, speed, size and sportsmanship were unmatched,” David Gilner said.
In the fall of 2023, Addie Gilner announced her commitment to play lacrosse at Elon University.
“I plan to work as hard as I can coming onto the team and be successful as a freshman,” Addie Gilner said.
Beale also announced her commitment to the new women’s lacrosse program at UNC-Charlotte starting in the fall of the 2026 school year.
Even though the season ended without a state title, the team hopes to make another deep playoff run next year under the leadership of Beale, Breschi and rising junior Scarlett Gilner.
