Hopkinton Takes State Lacrosse Title, 18-15

Inside passing and outstanding play by key team members powered the Hopkinton girls past fast, sharp-shooting Winchester for the Division 2 state lacrosse title Monday night.

Starting for injured captain Hannah Gibney, Hopkinton freshman Taylor Sokol (three goals) took a pass from Brooke Rudden to score first, which put Hopkinton tied or ahead – never far enough to be comfortable – until the game ended.

Sophomore Dana Gogolin controlled midfield play early on, and with Winchester locking down Rudden, Hopkinton's all-time leading goal scorer (who finished with four goals and 3 assists), sophomore Tess Chandler started an unbelievable seven-goal afternoon by snaring the ball high above the Winchester goal and in one motion, sweeping it past goalie Erin Maki.

Chandler’s skill, athleticism and big-game play was matched by Winchester sophomore Megan Hennesey, whose speed and accuracy drove her to five goals.

The artificial turf at Wellesley College caused a few slips for both teams but Hopkinton junior Tam Mills (three goals) seemed to have the best success, including a brilliant fake and spin in a crowd of defenders for a goal.

Sophomore Jackie Chirco made key stops when it looked like its punishing counterattack might swing momentum to Winchester. Chirco's game included eight saves, four of them game-changers, with two point-blank blocks in one attack.

With two-and-a-half minutes left and all its seniors in the game, Hopkinton's sharp passing and patient control took over as the clock counted down. 

"The goal was to reach the state finals," coach Jodi Dolan said. "To win it is the icing on the cake."