|
Article Audio:
|
By JAMES A. ELLIS
JOHNSTOWN — Hosting league rival South Glens Falls Monday afternoon at Knox Field, the Johnstown girls’ lacrosse team was looking to build on its success after defeating Ballston Spa on Thursday for their first victory of the season.
However, the Bulldogs came out fighting, putting three goals on the board in the opening four minutes of the match en route to collecting a 21-6 Foothills Council victory.
“We are definitely a team that works together,” South Glens Falls coach Dawn DeLisle said. “Offense, defense and midfield, we just work well together. I am proud of them and how much fun they are to watch because we are not selfish. They are always looking to pass and support each other.”
It did not take long for the South Glens Falls offense to get going as Ava Reynolds scored just 20 seconds into the match.
The Bulldogs kept the pressure on, collecting goals from Lillian Willis and Rowan DeMarco to pull away to a 3-0 lead with just 3:21 off the clock.
The Lady Bills bounced back with a pair of unanswered goals from Jena Barker and Molly Sweeney to close the gap to 3-2 with 12:36 left in the opening half.
The Bulldogs regained their poise and put together an 11-1 run to finish the opening half with a 14-3 lead.
Johnstown was able to get into a more consistent offensive rhythm in the second half, leading to a pair of goals from Nicole Simon and one more from Barker.
The South Glens Falls offense stayed solid, putting seven second-half goals up for the 21-6 victory.
“That is a very good South High team,” Johnstown varsity coach Tommy Horning said. “It stings coming off a very good win, especially against a Suburban Council team. The girls are a little upset over it. I can’t blame it on the lack of subs, they just outhustled us.”
Reynolds finished with five goals, all in the first half, and an assist, while DeMarco and Katie Morris finished with four goals apiece. Addy Buckley had three goals and three assists for the Bulldogs, while Lauren Durfey had three goals and Willis and Emeri Buckley each scored to round out the South High scoring. Natalie Keegan collected 12 saves in goal for South High.
“We don’t have a superstar, we just have a super team because they play so well together,” DeLisle said.
Barker, Simon and Sweeney scored two goals apiece for the Lady Bills, while goalkeeper Nicole Wendolski finished with nine saves.
“They were quick and we missed some slides and they capitalized on that as well as finding openings in the defense,” Horning said. “They are a very skilled team and we are too. Unfortunately, it just didn’t come together today but the girls know how talented they are and will come out Wednesday against Hudson Falls and hopefully get another win.”
South Glens Falls 14 7 — 21
Johnstown 3 3 — 6
South Glens Falls scoring: Reynolds 5-1, DeMarco 4-1, Morris 4-0, Willis 1-0, Durfey 3-0, A. Buckley 3-3, E. Buckley 1-0, Klotz 0-1, Vittengl 0-1. Johnstown scoring: Barker 2-0, Simon 2-0, Sweeney 2-0, Hall 0-1.
Goalie saves: South Glens Falls: Keegan 12. Johnstown: Wendolski 9/
