Going into Wednesday’s game against Kent on May 1, Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse looked to continue its winning streak after beating Ethel Walker, 12-9, the week before. Both Choate and Kent seemed unfazed by the temperatures that dipped 44 degrees Fahrenheit as they each played to their fullest. After an all-around effort by the team, Choate soundly defeated Kent, 9-2.
The game got off to a slow start as both teams slowly settled into the game. From the onset, however, the difference in skill between the two teams was apparent, as Choate proceeded to maintain possession and execute controlled plays whenever the team entered the offensive zone.
Choate finally broke the tie after seven minutes into the first half after several clean passes lead to a quality shot from Dylan Allen ’22. The first goal gave Choate the momentum of the game, leading to two consecutive goals by co-captain Julia MacKenzie ’19, both from fast breaks. Kent faltered as the team’s few moments of possession ended with unsuccessful shots. With forty seconds left, however, Kent snuck one past the goalie to end the first half.
The solid first half boosted Choate’s morale and confidence as the lead continued into the second. Five minutes into the second half, MacKenzie came up big again, scoring her third goal. Not more than thirty seconds later, a penalty against Kent gave Allen the opportunity to score her second goal.
Choate’s offense was not the only factor in its dominance as Choate’s stalwart defense thwarted numerous Kent drives. One particular odd-player rush by Kent was foiled by an exceptional mid-air steal by Nicola Sommers ’19, who also put up a strong performance throughout the entire game with three assists.
As the score difference widened, Choate seemed to dominate the game all the more, sustaining control whenever they were on offense and only losing possession after a missed shot. This controlled offense led to two consecutive goals from Miya Imaeda ’22.
Although foul trouble seemed to plague both teams, only Choate was able to capitalize on the opportunities, scoring three of its nine goals from penalties. Kent finally managed to score a second goal with three minutes left in the second half, but Choate responded with a remarkable cross-field pass from Sommers to MacKenzie for her fourth goal of the game.
Head Coach Ms. Courtney Destefano was proud of the focus the team showed after a slow first half. “We had a slowish start — not a bad start, but a slower tempo,” Ms. Destefano said. “But as the game went on it got a little more aggressive, a little more intense. We definitely maintained possession of the game both halves. I’m really happy with the team’s effort.”
As a whole, the team has experienced both successes and defeats. However, this year’s team is especially young, and every game provides opportunities for the younger players to improve. “It’s sort of a rebuilding year, though not in the traditional sense, because I think we have a lot of talent in the team,” Ms. Destefano said. “We just have a lot of young people and they’re getting their feet under them. We have a very large freshman class who have never played at the varsity level and against varsity teams, so, in that sense, I think we are building. Our future prospects look really good.”
Throughout the term, the Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse team has developed a close bond, contributing to the players’ ability to trust each other on the field. “There’s something to say for coming into the locker room half an hour before we even have to get on the field and having a dance party,” said co-captain Lizzy Mitchell ’19. “Every practice, people seem to want to be there.”
Ms. Destefano added, “This is probably the most bonded team we’ve ever had in the six years I have coached at Choate. It doesn’t matter if they’re young or old — they get along really well and there is a great camaraderie on the team. In addition to leadership and depth, that kind of bond really helps the team pull together.”
As the end of the season approaches, Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse is looking to win a few more regular season games before making a run at the New England Championships.
