Weston Girls' Lacrosse Out Shot In High Scorer

An early season match up with Lincoln-Sudbury High has its pluses and minus for coach Kelly Trahon.

While Tuesdays match gave an early season test for Weston girls' lacrosse, the 18-14 road loss that incurred was something Trahon linked to early spring inexperience.

“I always wish we played them later in the season, because I think it would be an even better game,” said Trahon. “We had moments were we put it all together, but we also had lapses in play. It is always good to come out early in the year and see that caliber of play.”

With L-S leading 10-7 entering the first half and both teams trading goal streaks, the Warriors would go on a eight to three streak that sealed the victory for the blue and white. Despite winning and scoring off of four straight face-offs in the final four minutes the deficit proved too much for the Wildcats.

“The draw is fifty-fifty unless the center can draw it too herself,” said L-S coach Deb DeJesus. “The draw is all about desire, hustle and working to get the ball. Weston is really scrappy and they have a history of draw control.”

The Warriors opened the half with three straight goals created by counter attempts off steals.

Intercepting a near goal pass a minute into the half, L-S's Madison Acton hit teammate Sarah Ganio who brought the ball near her face, dodged three defenders and finished for a goal at 23:19. Another steal from Acton created a penalty goal for the junior seconds later, while a grab from teammate Eliza Guild create a scoring opportunity for Jenna Kabat at 19:58.

“Our transition works well because we have a lot of speed and great shooters at the end,” said DeJesus. “We have improved in every aspect even defensively.”

L-S controlled a majority of the possession over the next 15 minutes and scored with five different players. At 4:53, L-S's Sam Berry managed to double juke her defender with her back turn and spin around to score a goal and put the Warriors up 18-10.

“The girls were focused on passing the ball quickly, moving off the ball, and keeping their vision” said DeJesus.

“We made some bad turnovers near the end when we needed to score goals,” added Trahon.

The Wildcats managed to win and score off the next four draws to force a four goal deficit, but a second minute face-off win allowed the Warriors to waste out the remaining clock. Weston goals came on breakaways by Sally Plank, Sarah Peters, Anna Duffey, and Julia Meehan.

“Draw controls were huge and I think we did a good job with them as far as adjusting,” said Trahon. “We talked about if we were going to score we would have to win the draw. It was more the captains who were telling them to play with heart and to do their best near the end.”

Weston opened the game up 3-1, but a deep goal by Kabat put the Warriors up during a seven goal scoring streak that gave them a game lasting lead.

Emma Dagres lead the game in scoring with four goals, while teammate Duffey had three. Ganio and Kabat lead the Warriors in scoring with three goals and an assist each.

Acton had two goals and five assist for the Warriors.

“(Dagres) is able to take control of the situation if we need a goal,” said Trahon. “She is incredibly fast, a great attacker, a play maker, and a game changer.”

The Warriors lost last years match up 15-4 in Weston.

On Thursday at 4 p.m., L-S will host Westford Academy while Weston travels to face Tynsborough High.