Lacrosse goalies measure their success largely in their number of saves throughout their seasons and careers. At the end of the 2015 girls varsity lacrosse season, recent NC graduate Peyton Reid finished her high school lacrosse career with a school record  224 career saves. Only 2 games into her final season as NC’s girls varsity lacrosse goalie, senior Jordan Chandler eclipsed Reid’s record by amassing 241 career saves.

Entering last Friday’s game against Hillgrove, the Varsity Lady Warriors felt certain Chandler would break the standing NC record for career saves. Head coach Kathy Ezzel explained, “she was really close and we knew she would break it pretty soon.”

Between her teammates’ shouts and NC parents’ cheers from the stands, Chandler knew the whole stadium supported her attempt to break the school record. Although they finished the game trailing Hillgrove by 11 points, the Lady Warriors felt proud of their performance against one of the region’s most competitive teams.

Chandler explained that her teammates’ excitement for her potential record pushed them to play one the team’s best games in program history. Reflecting on the night, Chandler asserts, “we really came together.”  

After her record-breaking season start, Chandler’s accomplishments will continue to multiply. Each save Chandler makes throughout the team’s remaining games will break her previous record.

Despite such success, Chandler remains humble and focused on continuing to improve throughout her final season for NC. Last year Chandler broke NC’s record for girls varsity lacrosse single season saves, and she hopes to “break [her] own record again.”

Despite the Lady Warriors’ excitement for Chandler as she begins playing for Ogelthorpe University next year, the players know they will lose a major team presence. As a veteran player, Chandler provides leadership within practice and games.

Ezzel expressed her appreciation for Chandler’s talent and hardwork, explaining she works even throughout the off season. Describing Chandler as “amazing, super dedicated, [and] always positive on the field,” Ezzel feels extremely proud of the player’s impressive accomplishments.  

Beyond her own achievements, Chandler assures fans the 2016 Lady Warriors Lacrosse team possesses some of its best talent and dedication in program history. In the coming months, other players may join Chandler in demolishing NC lacrosse records.