The Bishop Ludden girls lacrosse team had no problem in ending Chittenango’s season as they took round one of the Section III Class C playoffs, beating the Bears 12-7.
Molly Bryne got the first goal of the game then turned right around at the 2:57 mark to assist on Abigail Hiza’s goal, putting Ludden up 2-0.
On the ensuing play after the draw, Chittenango goalie Julia Cross had a miscue, allowing the Knights to gain a free position shot on a Bea’s foul. Junior Erin Lighton made use of the direct shot, scoring at 4:40 to make it 3-0.
The Gaelic Knights would find the goal one more time before Chittenango would stop the scoring drought on a goal from Jessica Antelmi, assisted by Lindsay Clifford. The score was now 4-1.
Unsatisfied with the goal, Ludden called a quick time-out to talk things over. Coming out of the time-out, Chittenango would get the draw, shots progressed but no results.
In fact, both teams would endure their far share of sloppy play. However, it was Ludden who came out with an unassisted goal from Lighton. Eventually, Ludden would take a 7-2 halftime lead and would look to finish off the Bears.
When the second half rolled around, it was the Gaelic Knights who put on their track sneakers and turned up the heat, showing signs of a different team as it scored the first three goals of the half.
Stephanie Dussing, Grace Guy, and Lighton once again would all contribute. Sarah Byrne would find Dussing at the 3:59 mark as Guy muscled her way in, scoring on a free position shot. Lighton showed composure as she came around the goal with ease putting it over Cross’s head.
From there, it was all Ludden, allowing no breathing room for Chittenango.
Lighton and Hiza ledd all scorers for the Knights with three goals apiece. The Byrne sisters proved to be a productive unit, as Sarah dished out three assists to Molly’s two goals and one assist. Dussing added two goals and one assist. Ashley Kanavy had one assist on the contest.
Kaci Mulligan had ten saves until Katrina Dufrense came in at the 5:53 mark of the second half, turning away one save. In defeat, Chittenango junior Kailey Krause had three goals, putting her past the 100-goal mark for her career, as Antelmi and Jessica Barber earned two goals apiece.
All this did for the no. 8 seed Gaelic Knights was earn a date with two-time defending state champion Skaneateles in the quarterfinals on Tuesday afternoon.
