Concord Carlisle Patriots Defeat Reading Rockets 13-10

The Patriots (12-4) defeated the Reading Rockets  (14-4), 13-10  Saturday at Doug White Field. 

On a picture perfect evening, 10 soon to graduate Patriot Seniors were honored with flowers and family photographs in appreciation to their hard work and effort as students of Concord Carlisle High School and the CCHS lacrosse program. The 10 Seniors then went on to lead their team to  victory. 

With the MIAA playoffs looming only a week away, the Patriots took their game to a new level Saturday.  The three pronged attack included exceptional defense, great midfield ball transition and  crisp offensive scoring.  CC’s ball control and ball movement was undeniable throughout the game.

The Patriots dominated on offense throughout the first half as Jessie Castelline and Allie Barrett combined for eight draw controls. Tri-Captains Jill Carlton (4 goals, 3 assists) Jessie Castelline (3 goals, 1 assist) and Josie Morrison (1 goals, 3 assists) led the Patriot charge along with Becca Olsen (3 goals) and  Kate Wyeth & Emma Brandhorst (1 goal each). The Patriots passing precision was near perfect as they continually found the open player resulting in goals while also effectively limiting ball turnovers to a season low.

Defensively, Catie Standish, Jennie Robinson, Marin Epstein and Annie Bannon all contributed with solid efforts as they played tight, aggressive coverage on Reading’s attackers forcing multiple turnovers while effectively clearing the ball out of their end. Emma Mahoney played exceptional on defense making two big plays utilizing her speed first on a well anticipated pass interception followed later in the game by  a goal saving effort in which she caught a breakaway Reading attacker from behind deflecting her shot on goal. 

CC led at the half 9-4.

“Senior night is always a big game for the team, and with 10 seniors we wanted to win this game for them," said Coach Morrison. "We respected Reading and knew it would be tough. It was apropos that the seniors played such a huge role in the victory. Senior defender Annie Bannon set the tone of the game for us off the opening draw. Annie won the draw from a difficult position behind the restraining line, and then rolled out of pressure and made a beautiful pass to release the ball toward the Reading defensive end of the field. I knew the team was going to be on all night from that moment.” 

Reading began the second half with renewed confidence winning the first three draw controls and scoring on fast breaks. CC countered with a nice goal of their own by Kate Wyeth. The game continued back and forth for the next 10 minutes as each team attempted to capitalize on several opportunities. Patriot goalie Greta White was again instrumental making several important saves while CC’s defense buckled down causing Reading to make wild shots missing net. Offensively, the Patriots became more methodical, relying on their veteran seniors Carolyn Donelan, Josie Morrison, Jill Carlton and Jessie Castelline to slow the game down by finding the  open player and spraying the ball around the field as they ate valuable minutes off the clock. Readings’  attempts to double and triple team Patriot ball carriers were to no avail.

As the final seconds ticked down and the Patriots holding a 13-10 lead, the  large crowd of Patriot followers cheered on their team, testament to an impressive performance on very special evening. 

“We knew coming in that this game had implications for the upcoming Division 1 North Tournament," said Coach Morrison. "One of the Boston newspapers had Reading ranked number 7 and us number 8 in the state, so we anticipated a close game. The team, lead by our seniors, responded to the challenge of a playoff type atmosphere. Our three captains, Jill, Jessie, and Josie lead the team in scoring tonight, which is what you want from your captains. Our senior leadership is so deep, we have kids who were captains for field hockey, basketball, ice hockey, and swimming and that depth is paying off for our lacrosse team as the tournament approaches.”

CC plays Norwell today at home at 4pm.