Patriots Defeat Marblehead Magicians 17-14

The Patriots (10-3) defeated the Marblehead Magicians (8-4), 17-14 in Marblehead last Monday, May 7. 

The Patriots won another shootout Monday against a very physical, hard charging Marblehead team.  This game was a clash of momentum swings as each team battled back and forth the entire evening.  The final five minutes proved to be the most important however as CC showed their superior offensive play.

The Patriots won the initial draw control, moved the ball smartly down the field then found Becca Olsen unattended scoring their first goal.  Moments later Kate Wyeth took a nice feed from Josie Morrison and planted a top corner shot for an early 2-0 Patriot lead.  Just as it appeared CC was gaining momentum, the Magicians fought back countering with two goals of their own and tying the score at two. The Patriots continued to be aggressive on offense featuring 3 goals by Jessie Castelline each assisted by Jill Carlton. Josie Morrison, Emma Brandhorst and Allie Barrett all contributed goals as the Patriots took a 4 goal lead with six minutes remaining in the half.  Marblehead would not quit and continued to press however as they capitalized on several forced CC turnovers and crept back into the game.  The Patriots defense faced heavy pressure and struggled to come up with answers for Marblehead’s fast break offense. Goalie Greta White was the difference maker, with big saves and enormous interception to help the Patriots keep a narrow one goal  lead into the half. 

Marblehead played with intensity from the opening draw. I was glad to see us match their effort. Lacrosse is the ultimate team sport and for most of the season the defense has lifted our team. Tonight the D struggled a bit, so it was nice that the Attack was able to pay our defenders back by bailing them out.

 The second half began with Marblehead winning the draw possession and tying the game. CC battle back with a goal of their own. The next several minutes werein tense as both teams sensing an opportunity to win an important game, increased their physical play in an attempt to create scoring separation from their opponent.  The game was getting rough and unsettled.

The Patriots found their poise and maturity relying on Tri-Captains Jill Carlton, Jessie Castelline and Josie Morrison who combined for four of the five crucial second half goals. Castelline recorded her best game of the season with 6 goals, 5 draw controls and 1 assist while Carlton had a season team high of 6 assists and 3 goals, the last score being the game winner.  Josie Morrison tallied 2 goals and 2 assists while adding solid back checking as she pressured Marblehead defenders. 

During the final two minutes of play the Patriots worked their stall offense effectively running out the clock and taking home the 17-14 win.

Greta White was again immense in goal for the Patriots making many crucial saves along with several momentum changing pass interceptions to keep CC in the win column.

Coach Morrison “Greta White’s anticipation on interceptions is amazing. She always seems to jump the ball at the precise moment, and she really frustrated Marblehead in the second half. I was also impressed by the play and leadership of my tri-captions in a very tight ball game. Jessie Castelline was great on both sides of the ball, and Jill Carlton and Josie Morrison had big games scoring and redefending."