For the past eight years, Lake Highland Prep's girls lacrosse team has faced American Heritage of Delray Beach in the final four—and almost every game has come down to the wire. That streak continued in dramatic fashion this past Saturday, as the Highlanders captured a thrilling 6-5 victory in the Class 1A state final at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples.
With just 18.9 seconds left on the clock, sophomore standout Giselle Jaskiewicz scored the game-winning goal, breaking a tense tie and securing the championship for Lake Highland Prep (21-2). The moment was especially sweet after American Heritage (20-2) had mounted a fierce comeback, scoring three straight goals in the fourth period to level the score.
"We had no fear when the lead disappeared," said head coach Chris Robinson. "We played fearless the whole game. We were going to take the last shot or go to overtime, and we got it to our best player. Giselle was in a great position to score."
Jaskiewicz finished with three goals and an assist, leading the Highlanders' offense. Katherine Davanzo, Lily Ventura, and Sophie Van Marcke De Lumen also found the back of the net in the championship game. The win marked Lake Highland Prep's fourth state title overall (2019, 2022, 2025, 2026)—matching the number American Heritage has claimed since 2018.
Earlier in the tournament, the Highlanders cruised past Episcopal of Jacksonville in the semifinals with a 14-8 victory. Molly Connolly contributed two goals and an assist, while Madison Park added a goal and three assists.
In the Class 2A final, Oviedo made its first-ever appearance in a lacrosse state championship but fell 13-7 to top-seeded Ponte Vedra (17-3). Olivia Lunardi and Addison Steinebronn each scored two goals for the Lions (21-2), while Cate Steinebronn, Presley Krantz, and Savannah Fryzel each tallied a goal and an assist. Oviedo had advanced to the final with an 11-3 semifinal win over Tampa Plant, where Steinebronn posted two goals and forced five turnovers, and Fryzel added three goals.
Winter Park (20-2), the No. 4 seed in the 2A final four, also made a strong run, showcasing the depth of Florida's high school girls lacrosse talent this season.