Clarkstown North Girls Lacrosse Falls To TZ

The Clarkstown North girls lacrosse team had a tough loss to Tappan Zee Monday afternoon, bringing their season to 1-11.

They expected to have a difficult game against the talented team, and that's exactly what they got.  Though they came out and played hard, the final score was 17-10.  While this was due in part to difficulties on the Rams' side with turnovers and some basic fundamentals, the score was also a testament to the hard work and talent of Tappan Zee.

Toward the end of the first half, the score was 5-4 in favor of Tappan Zee.  There was good defense and offense on both sides, yet the Rams were unable to take control of the game.  Tappan Zee went on the offensive, yet after a series of strong defensive moves, Lauren Mongiori got the steal and passed it off to Jess Rosen who attacked and scored.  This brought them to an even 5-5.  Tappan Zee fought back and after winning the draw, gave it to number eight.  She broke through the tough defense and scored, bringing the game to 6-5.

The next draw went to the Rams, but Tappan Zee took it back and scored from a cut across the goal.  With the score now 7-5, North's Mackenzie McIndoe attacked with blazing speed and penetrated to make the score 7-6.  The Rams let up only one more goal in the half, bringing the score to 8-6.

North began the second half on the defensive.  After another brilliant save by Goalie Nicole Strauss, who already had seven in the first half, Tappan Zee was able to hang onto the ball, attack and score.  This began a run for Tappan Zee.  Despite swarming defense from the Rams, Tappan Zee remained in control of the ball.  So, due to their strong offensive presence, Tappan Zee was able to get a series of attempts on the goal.  Making use of these, they brought the score to 11-6.  Goalie Nicole Strauss followed this up with a run of her own, making three great saves in a row.

North got the ball back, yet after a turnover they lost the ball.  Tappan Zee capitalized on this with their 12th goal.  Winning the draw, they passed around the perimeter, shot and scored again.  The Rams then forced a turnover of their own and attacked.  After a brief time-out, they immediately scored, bringing the game to 13-7.  After good defense and saves by the goalies on both sides, North scored again, closing the gap to 13-8.

Both teams continued to play tough defense, but unfortunately for the Rams, Tappan Zee capitalized more effectively on their offensive opportunities.  The Clarkstown offense was hurt by turnovers and though they managed two more goals in the game, they were unable to make ground on their opponents.