When Elle Lam isn’t setting personal records in the gym, where she has become a CrossFit star, the driven Silverdale Baptist Academy senior is shutting down opposing attacks on the soccer field.
Lam’s defensive prowess helped the Lady Seahawks clinch the first region championship in program history with a 2-0 road victory over archrival Boyd Buchanan last week, and now Silverdale (11-1-2) – ranked No. 3 in TSSAA Division II-A – will try to extend its historic season when it hosts St. George’s (9-1-2) in a state quarterfinal at 1 p.m. Saturday
“This team is really driven,” said Lam, who is in the 97th percentile of girls ages 16-17 worldwide in CrossFit competition. “We have worked together so hard ever since this summer, and we have a lot of skill through every grade. But our will to win is the thing that elevates us the most.”
With a strong back line that includes Lam, the Lady Seahawks have allowed only 11 goals this year and have outscored their competition 11-1 in the postseason. The play and leadership of Lam and fellow senior Christian Echols have had a positive effect on Gabriela Fernandes and Maggie Placer, who have made an impact as freshmen this season, along with keeper Bella Steele.
Silverdale’s attack has been just as bright.