Overall, I felt like it was the best game we played all season with the small exception for a few minutes early in the fourth quarter where we got a little sloppy.”

Veteran Park head coach Scott Leonard

Park and archrival Stillwater have ruled the girls' lacrosse roost in the Suburban East Conference the past few years, including tying for the conference crown both in 2023 and 2024.

That won’t be happening this season as the host and ninth-ranked Wolfpack won the SEC game of the season Thursday in dramatic fashion, edging the visiting third-ranked Ponies 7-6.

Park's star senior forward Madi Brinkman put in her fourth and final goal with 2:55 left that proved to be the difference maker. The Wolfpack then played defense the rest of the way to claim the triumph.
Park remained undefeated on the season, improving to 10-0. Stillwater fell to 7-1 in the conference and 8-2 overall.

Thursday's game was also the third time in the last four meetings between Park and Stillwater that the game has been decided by a single goal.
“The game had the feel of a section playoff game,” said veteran Park head coach Scott Leonard. “It was a total back and forth all night. They went up 1-0, we went up 2-1 and got to a 5-3 lead at halftime. They came back and tied it up 6-6 with six minutes to go.

“We ended up taking the final lead with an 8-meter shot from Madi with 2:55 left and were able to play keep away for a large portion of the remaining time,” Leonard added. “Overall, I felt like it was the best game we played all season with the small exception for a few minutes early in the fourth quarter where we got a little sloppy.”

Brinkman finished with four goals, giving her 32 scores on the season. Josie Leonard had two goals, giving her 28 tallies this spring, and Maleah McMorrow one, bumping her total to 17 goals. Leonard also added an assist.

In the net, Park’s Lauryn Ehrenstrom stopped 1 of 4 shots, while Aubree Laska had 5 saves in 8 Stillwater shots on goal.

After each team scored once in the opening period, Park took a 5-3 lead after two. Each team scored one again in the third. Stillwater outscored Park 2-1 in the fourth but it wasn’t enough to make up the difference.

Park up the regular season with non-conference home games, hosting Hastings (2-7) on Tuesday, then Lakeville North (3-6) on Thursday.

Park 16, St. Paul/Two Rivers 3

McMorrow, Leonard and Madi Brinkman each scored three goals as the Wolfpack routed visiting St. Paul/Two Rivers in a non-conference game Wednesday at Wolfpack Stadium.

Lexi Sullivan and Sidni Gitzen had two goals, Krya Stofer, Lauren Tait and Taylor Siemer one each. McMorrow also had two assists.

Goalies Ehrenstrom and Laska combined to stop 5 of 8 shots in the win.

Park led 9-1 after the first period, 11-1 at the half and 14-2 after three.