In the final regular season home contest of the 2019 season, the Issaquah School District varsity girls lacrosse team captured a victory in front of its hometown fans.

Issaquah cruised to a 8-4 victory against Newport-Sammamish-Interlake on April 26 at Pine Lake Middle School in Sammamish. Issaquah improved its overall record to 5-4-1 courtesy of the triumph. Issaquah senior Julia Hepperle scored a game-high four goals in the matchup. McKenna Minnoch, Olivia Johnson and Kiley Van Brero each recorded a goal apiece as well in the win.

Issaquah first-year head coach Katie Bucy said Hepperle is the epitome of a team captain.

“She is a leader on and off the field. I’m so excited for her. She is huge on drop control. We call her the pick-pocket,” Bucy said of Hepperle’s ability on the field.

With a potential playoff berth still in play, Bucy wants to see her team continue to improve on a daily basis.

“We are working on teamwork, leadership and keeping it clean because in the end that’s all that matters. I think our teamwork on the field has a lot to do with our success. Aggressiveness is part of it but it’s how you come together in the end. I’m excited for what the future holds. Hopefully it’s the playoffs,” Bucy said.

Bucy, who played four years on the women’s lacrosse team at Washington State University, is throughly enjoying her first season as the head coach at her alma mater.

“It is pretty fun. I love coaching where I’m from. It is fun being back,” Bucy said.

Issaquah sophomore McKenna Minnoch, left, scored one goal in her team’s 8-4 win against Newport-Sammamish-Interlake on April 24 at Pine Lake Middle School in Sammamish. Photo courtesy of Rick Edelman/Rick Edelman Photography