Wilton Girls Lacrosse Beats New Canaan 14-11 In FCIAC Semifinals [Video]

The Warriors (16-1) avenged their only loss - a 16-15 defeat to New Canaan on May 13 - to advance to Friday's championship game against Darien. The Blue Wave routed Staples 19-5 in Monday's other semifinal.

Neither Wilton nor New Canaan (12-6) were at the full strength for Monday's contest. The Warriors were missing Megan Beopple, who was attending a family graduation, while the Rams were without three key starters - top scorer Olivia Hompe, standing goaltender Elizabeth O'Sullivan and Wheatley Raabe, one of their top defensive players.

The three were suspended after violating a CIAC rule by trying out for an Under-Armour summer travel team last weekend.  On Tuesday, the CIAC restored the eligibility of the three players, who now will be able to play in the state tournament.

New Canaan coach Kristin Wood learned of the suspensions a mere hour before the start of Monday's game.

Jena Persky started in goal for the first time in her varsity career for the Rams. Given the circumstances, she played well, making 10 saves. Wilton never trailed, but at no point in the first half did the Warriors lead by more than three goals as the Rams kept it close.

Two straight goals  by Pearsall gave Wilton a 7-4 lead before the Warriors settled for an 8-6 edge at the break. Christie Huidekoper scored with just under four minutes remaining to give Wilton its biggest lead at 12-7. The Rams did close within 12-10 on a goalie by Sarah Mannelly with 2:35 to play.

Maddie McClintock and Huidekoper each netted a pair of goals for the Warriors.
Lauren Freeland picked up the slack  in Hompe's absence with four goals while Mannelly finished with three.

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