Salem files protest over mysterious goal in 18-17 regional LAX loss
Mileena Cotter sprints toward the goal Tuesday night against Northville.
Maybe the stellar high school career of Salem lacrosse player Mileena Cotter isn’t quite over after all.
The Salem High School athletic department has filed an official protest with the MHSAA, claiming Northville was credited with one more goal than it actually scored in the Mustangs’ 18-17 (for now) victory over the Rocks Tuesday night at Novi High School.
With Northville leading 13-9 with just under four minutes remaining in the third quarter, an additional goal was added to the Mustangs’ score on the scoreboard, igniting a wave of disapproval from the Rocks’ fans and their bench.
Following a discussion amongst the referees and the official scorekeeper, the officials decided to maintain the score at 14-9.
Video review shows score at 17-17
Review of a game-long video reveals the Mustangs were credited with a goal they never scored, sources have informed SocialHouseNews.com; thus, the game would have advanced to overtime with the score knotted at 17-17.
Salem Athletic Director Tim Baechler said that while a protest was filed and evidence exists that Northville only scored 17 goals, it’s up to the Michigan High School Athletic Association to make a final ruling.
Cotter, one of the all-time leading scorers in Michigan girls lacrosse and a future member of the heralded Syracuse University lacrosse program, scored 16 goals Tuesday night in what appeared to be her prep farewell.
Depending on the decision of the MHSAA, Cotter and her teammates’ incredible season may be extended by at least the length of an overtime.
Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657.
