A Look at 'Patriette' Nation Last Week

Girls Lax Team Wins 3 In A Row Over Lexington, Acton Boxboro & Masconomet. Below are highlights from last week's three wins. 

CC 17, Lexington 10

The girls lacrosse team put together one of their best games of the season Saturday defeating the Lexington Minutemen 17-10 at Doug White Field.   The Patriots used speed, ball handling, passing and accurate shooting combined with a stubborn defense to control the first half.

Becca Olsen (5 goals, 3 assists), Jill Carlton (4 goals, 3 assists) and Emma Brandhorst (3 goals 1 assist) lead the charge for the Patriots offensively while Jessie Castelline continued to win the majority of draws controls. Defensively Jennie Robinson, Marin Epstein and Catie Standish dug in to disrupt several Lexington’s offensive plays. Time and time again, CC took advantage of Lexington turnovers, and transitioned into a fast break offense quickly moving the ball to an open player in tic- tac-toe fashion, the result most always with the ball ending up in the back of Lexington’s net. Junior Goalie Maddie Holmes made her starting debut in goal for the Patriots and played well throughout the first half with several nice saves.

The Patriots commanded a strong lead of 11-3 at the half.

"We were in a great rhythm on offense and defense during most of the first half" said CC Coach Paul Morrison. "We lost focus at the end of the first half and that carried over into the second half.”

Lexington began the second half with a renewed commitment as they attempted to make it a game again rattling off several unanswered goals through a hard charging offense.  The Minutemen were clearly gaining momentum and building confidence.  With still more than 12 minutes remaining in the game Lexington with the score 13-8, Coach Morrison called a well needed timeout to regroup his Patriot team. CC won the following draw control and went back on the offensive efficiently moving the ball around Lexington end until Allie Barrett found the back of the net. 

Caroline Donelan and Emma Mahoney countered for CC defensively displaying both speed with aggressive play on the back side of the field collecting grounders and transitioning the ball nicely down field.  CC continued to press with several nice goals while managing the clock wisely and eating up minutes. The final two minutes found the Patriots utilizing their stall offense as the clock ran out – the  score CC 17-Lexington 10.

According to Coach Morrison he has not seen the best his team can play this year "There were some moments of brilliance during the game, but they were sprinkled in with sloppy ball handling, poor shot selection and a lack of concentration. The best part of the game for me was the number of important game time minutes the entire roster logged in both halves.”

CC 14, Acton Boxboro 7

Concord, MA. – The CCHS Girls Lacrosse team (7-2) defeated the Acton Boxboro Colonials (4-7) handily 14-7, Thursday at Doug White field as CCHS Goaltender Greta White was spectacular in goal making 16 saves along with two pass interceptions. 

The Patriots, having just come off a recent win against Masconomet, capitalized from the first draw control as Jessie Castelline found Emma Brandhorst open for a quick tally.  Meanwhile AB took advantage on their offensive play with a nice crease roll to keep the game within one.

CC continued their aggressive offensive play as Low Attack Josie Morrison made a nice inside move on her defender for another tally.  Throughout the first half the Patriots seemed positioned to break out into a big lead as they controlled draws and transitioned into the AB end, however occasional turnovers allowed AB opportunities to stay in the game. Although the Patriots never trailed, the Colonials controlled the ball much of the first half, allowing them several scoring chances to take the lead.  Time and time again Greta White proved instrumental in deterring AB with several great saves from shots on net.

At the half it was CC 5 – AB 2.

According to Coach Paul Morrison “The first half was a defensive battle that kept each team from getting into an offensive rhythm. Greta White stood strong for us in the cage, and was supported by her defensive teammates.

The second half began with AB winning the first two draw controls that resulted in goals to bring the game back within one only to see CC score two goals of their own by Jessie Castelline and Becca Olsen.

Sensing momentum, the Patriot defense tightened as the offense began capitalizing on scoring bids to advance their lead. Several Patriot players contributed with multiple scores including Allie Barrett, Jessie Castelline, Emma Brandhorst & Becca Olsen.  Defensive midfielder Jennie Robinson scored a great goal net.  when she dodged two AB defenders and found the back of the net.  Freshmen Lexi Goodhue had another solid game at low attack with 2 goals while Greta White was the MVP of the game.

The final minutes were futile for AB as the Patriots, holding a 14-7 lead transitioned into a stalled offense controlling the ball as the clock ran down.

Coach Morrison summed up the game in saying “Acton Boxborough always come ready to play, and I was happy that they brought out the best effort in our team. We were patient with the ball on attack, and had six players with assists, and seven players score goals. But as it has done all season long the defense and goaltending carried the day again for us.”

CC 17, Masconomet 9

Concord, MA. - The Concord Carlisle Patriots(6-2) defeated the Masconomet  Chieftains (7-1) 17-9 Monday at Doug White Field.

It was to be one of the most anticipated games thus far this season for the Patriots.  Masconomet, an undefeated Division 1 team versus Concord Carlisle, Dual County Small League Leader.  For the fan expecting a tight game between two challenging opponents it was not to be on this day, as the Patriots poured on an impressive offensive attack and never looked back.

Midfielder Allie Barrett set the tone early for the Patriots winning the first draw control, driving the field and gunning a shot to the top right post to give the Patriots a quick lead, only to be followed moments later by speeding teammate Emma Brandhorst as she attacked from the outside right, nailing a nifty left handed shot between the pipes as CC went ahead 2-0. The Patriot’s defense was equally impressive as Marin Epstein made a great interception on the following Masco drive, then transitioned the ball nicely down field for a Kate Wyeth goal. The Patriot defense pressured the Chieftains constantly in the first half limiting their scoring opportunities while the offense remained sharp and aggressive expanding their lead.  At the half CC led 12-4.

Coach Paul Morrison said “I was happy to see the team come out strong after losing a tight game the last time out. Greta White and her defensive partners Marin Epstein, Caroline Guild, Jenny Robinson, and Caitie Standish dominated and made it difficult on Masco to score. The defense continues to set the tone for our success as a team”

The second half began with Junior Maddie Holmes took over in net for CC and continued much in the same fashion  as the first with the Patriots thwarting any adjustments the Chieftains attempted to disrupt the game.  The Patriots were led on offense by Emma Brandhorst (4 goals, 1 assist), Allie Barrett (3 goals, 5 ground balls, 3 caused turnovers)  and Jessie Castelline (2 goals, 5 draw controls).  Freshmen Lexi Goodhue also added 2 goals and an assist while classmate Jenna Carlton added 1 goal.

Despite the large number of goals, Coach Morrison was still critical of his offense. “It was nice to see eight of our players score goals, but only three players had assists. When you score seventeen goals and only have 5 assists, it’s time to reassess what we are doing on offense.”