After winning 20 games this season, the girls’ lacrosse team was named CIF champion for the first time in Oak Park history. The team won after defeating Redondo Union 13-8 on May 11.

“This year we were really out to prove ourselves and redeem a title that we really felt like we have deserved for the past few years,” Coach Courtney Schneck said.

Last year, the team was close to receiving the CIF title, but in the final game — within the final seconds of the match — it lost by one goal.

“It was heartbreaking, but it also made these girls hungry,” Schneck said.

One of the driving forces of the team’s success was its sense of camaraderie.

“I was anxious for the game to start and nervous thinking about potential outcomes,” senior Morgan Shorts said, “but I was so excited and so comfortable knowing that I had my whole team by my side.”

Freshman Courtney Mueting said she was proud of the team after its historic victory.

“We had all worked so hard to get to that point and to win the game,” Mueting said.

Seniors filled 10 out of the 25 positions on the girls’ lacrosse team this year.

“It’s been a long time coming. It was great to see that the seniors got to experience this their last year playing together,” Schneck said.

Shorts, who will be attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, said that her memories of being with the team will remain with her even after she graduates.

“My experience has been amazing,” Shorts said. “I have formed bonds like no other. I have met so many new people and truly feel as I have 24 sisters.”