Gwinnett Daily Post

Photo by Brandon Brigman

HOSCHTON -- The first state playoff goal in Mill Creek girls lacrosse history was a thing of beauty.

Rachel Gann sprinted nearly the length of the field, directly down the center of the Hawks' home turf, before firing a shot into the net with eight minutes, 59 seconds left in the first half.

Unfortunately by the time the first goal came, the hosts were down 8-0.

Newcomer Mill Creek's first-ever Class AAAAA playoff game ended with a 23-5 loss to more established Northview in the first round, but its first season still has to be considered a major success.

The Hawks, a club team just a year ago, finished with a 15-3 record, won their division of the Gwinnett County tournament and the Area 4-AAAAA title.

"The girls were very pleased with what we did this season, even talking there right after the game," Mill Creek coach Brian Williamson said. "They were saying, 'What a fantastic season.'

"Our goals were to make the playoffs and win region this year. They were pretty lofty goals but we made it anyway."

Mill Creek trailed 11-2 at halftime, getting another first-half goal from Alexis Ordini. Ordini led the attack with two goals.

Jessica Reese scored off a Kelly Skoglund assist to open the second half, cutting the gap to 11-3 before Northview reeled off the next seven goals. Skoglund later scored a goal to stop the Titans' run and Ordini added her second goal.