When you're the defending state champions, every opponent brings their A-game. That's the reality the South Lyon United girls lacrosse team has faced all season—and they've answered every challenge with an unblemished record.
Fresh off a dominant 2025 campaign that saw them go 21-0 and capture the Division 1 state title with a 6-3 win over Hartland, the No. 1-ranked United squad entered the 2026 season knowing they'd have a target on their backs. And they've handled the pressure masterfully, finishing the regular season undefeated at 23-0 with a thrilling 17-10 victory at Lake Orion.
"It's definitely not easy," head coach Deanna Radcliffe said after the regular-season finale on May 13. "The girls try not to think about going undefeated. But we obviously know it's happening, and we don't want to lose."
The win over Lake Orion (14-3-2) wasn't without its tense moments. United jumped out to a 3-2 lead after the first period, but the Dragons roared back in the fourth quarter, scoring four straight goals to cut the deficit to 14-8. Just when it looked like the game might get tight, United responded with three goals in a two-minute stretch from Madison Lukas, Emily Brennan, and Shaelyn Perry to regain control and seal the win.
Reagan Shields led the charge with seven goals, continuing her stellar season as the team's offensive spark. The victory extended United's winning streak to an incredible 44 games, a testament to the program's consistency and depth.
The only real test of the season came on April 27, when United edged third-ranked Brighton 9-8 in a nail-biter. That game, along with the Lake Orion contest, proved that even the best teams need to stay composed under pressure.
"I tell them all the time that it's OK to take some hits, take some shots," Radcliffe added. "You've just got to stay composed. The games we do get cards are when we are not as composed as we should be, and those are the two most tested games we've had."
As United heads into the playoffs with another undefeated regular season under their belts, the message is clear: they've learned to embrace the pressure, and they're ready for whatever comes next. Whether it's the running-clock blowouts or the tight battles, this team has proven they have the grit and talent to defend their crown.