Panthers Hold off Tigers in Non-League Dual

The Class C Pleasantville Panthers girls lacrosse team (7-0) held off the Class A Mamaroneck Tigers (5-4-1), 13-9, Wednesday at home.

Pleasantville Head Coach Allison Steinberg credits the Panthers focus and determination to successfully completing draws, eliminating turnovers, maintaining position and playing smart all-around.

“This was a big win for us,” Steinberg said. “I’m really excited. This was a big game for Pleasantville.”

Kristina Howe initiated the Panthers charge less than a minute into the first half unassisted for a 1-0 lead which was knotted at 1-1 six minutes later thanks to solid teamwork on the part of Tiger Abby Baigelman from Rachel Brissette.

The Panthers continued to prevail 3-1 on one goal each from Meghan Reda and Tori Borges. Meaghan Fitzgerald then scored one of her own for the Tigers through the Panthers defense and into the top of the net cutting the deficit 3-2.

Reda and Borges then connected for another 4-2 cushion in favor of the Panthers. Two goals from Jessica Gardiner in less than four minutes quickly erased all efforts with Stephanie Banks connecting on the first.

After a Panther timeout and two cards drawn for checks to the head, the Panthers went into the break ahead 6-4.

Penalties ensued throughout the second half forcing both squads to play with one less player than usual (at times) which did not affect the Panthers who pulled ahead 8-4.

The Tigers attempt to take over fell short at 8-6 when Howe was again dominant force in keeping the Tigers at bay despite one goal each from Hannah Fitzgerald and Patricia Garibaldi.

Steinberg’s players gained more comfort on Howe’s third of six total game goals’ and Caitlin Hughes first for the 10-6 lead on pivot moves through the aggressive Tiger defense.

Meaghan Fitzgerald netted another score of her own, slimming the margin three, 10-7 until Howe silenced the effort with less than nine minutes to go and the 11-8 differential in favor of the Panthers.

Mamaroneck’s Molly Cohen mustered one more score for the Tigers before the hosts finished with two more of their own and the eventual 13-9 final.

“A lot of things fell apart,” Mamaroneck Head Coach Alexis Longhitano said of her team’s struggles to capitalize on opportunities.

 The Panthers, who have had a girls lacrosse program for six seasons, upset seventh-seeded Sleepy Hollow as the 10th seed in the first round of the Class C playoffs last post-season.

Steinberg, who graduated 13 seniors’ credits this year’s seasonal achievements thus far to a total commitment on the playing field.

“We always play a full-team effort,” Steinberg said. “Everybody wants to be great.”

Goalie Jamie Figler who tallied eight saves in goal Wednesday highlights focusing on “keeping the ball on offense” and continued success with team communication.

“We’re always working on that,” the junior goalie said.

Liza Stephanz had nine saves for the Tigers, who host Pelham 7 p.m. Tuesday. The Panthers travel to Westlake for a 4:15 p.m. matchup on Wednesday.