Patriots Edged by Tomahawks

The Girls Lacross Patriots (5-2) lost to the Algonquin Tomahawks (5-1) 11-10 Thursday, April 19 at the CC Turf Fields.

In one of the most thrilling lacrosse games by far this season, the Patriots came up just short of defeating, one of Central Mass’ D1 leading teams. 

Having just come off a two goal loss of their own to Hopkinton, last year’s Division 2 State Champions, the Tomahawks appeared focused and determined to rebound as they won several early draw controls, set up precision plays around the eight and found open cutters for three pretty goals. The Patriots rebounded with a nice goal of their own as Becca Olsen found the top far side post to bring the game within two.

Algonquin pressured the CC defenders and midfielders with double teams forcing some  early CC turnovers only to use their impressive speed, crisp passing and accurate shots to take a 7-1 lead. Coach Morrison wisely called a time out to pull his players together.

We knew coming in that Algonquin was going to be our toughest competition to date. Their best player, University of Oregon bound Carly O’Connell, lived up to her hype scoring six goals, dishing out two assists, and playing ferocious defense. We had trouble with their pressure early on in trying to get the ball out of our defensive end, but as they have all year our defense adjusted and played stellar the rest of the way.

Following the timeout, CC quickly buckled down defensively as Caroline Guild, Jennie Robinson and Caitie Standish forced several turnovers through the next 10 minutes that translated into a nice scoring run as CC netted seven of the next eight goals to tie the game 8-8 at the half. Greta White proved why she is one of the DCL’s top net minders as she made several important saves, intercepted passes to crossing cutters and rushed the ball downfield as an offensive player.

The second half began with Algonquin capitalizing on a nice crease roll, only to have CC fight right back with a free position goal from Jessie Castelline, tying the score at nine. The next 10 minutes were a defensive battle as both teams fought hard with aggressive double teams and stick checks. The game remained deadlocked with each team just missing on key scoring opportunities as the Patriots hit one post along with a near miss on another while Greta White  continued with an incredible display of solid stops on net.

Marin Epstein, Caroline Donelan and Emma Mahoney were all part of an impressive defensive front during the second half. CC’s offense continued to challenge a stubborn Algonquin defense. With six minutes remaining Algonquin found an open cutter in front of the CC net to take a two goal lead. CC countered minutes later with a critical free position shot and goal by Jill Carlton to keep the game within one.

With four minutes remaining and up by one, the Tomahawks went into a stall offense. CC pressed them with double teams and tenacious stick work causing 4 loose ball opportunities however they could not capitalize and gain possession.

Algonquin finally lost possession with 23 seconds remaining giving CC one last chance. The Patriots fought to get the ball down the field against double and triple teams, finally managing to get within the eight for a shooting opportunity with only seconds remaining.   A crucial offside call on both teams whistled the play dead.  A throw-in was determined with five seconds remaining.  CC player Josie Morrison won the toss and wisely passed to Emma Brandhorst behind the net who was fouled with 3.1 seconds remaining.

For a moment it appeared CC might have an open player in front of the net for a quick-stick  opportunity, however as the referees set up players, movement by an Algonquin defender  negated any scoring opportunity as time ran out.

“Algonquin Coach John Healy and I compared the game to Rocky fighting Apollo Creed in the movies. Each team got knocked down and picked themselves up at different times. Greta White was fantastic in goal for us today, and her aggressive style of play is so fun to watch. The kids were upset that we couldn’t pull it off, but they should hold their heads high because of the way they responded to adversity and put themselves in a position to win the game.”

The CC offense continues to show balance with several players contributing including; Jill Carlton (3 goals, 1 assist), Becca Olsen (3 goals), Kate Wyeth (2 goals), Jessie Castelline (1 goal) and Emma Brandhorst (1 goal). Josie Morrison added two more team leading assists.

The CC Patriots play next Monday as they meet the Division 1 North Masconomet Chieftains (7-0) at 3:45 at Masconomet Regional High School.