At the exact moment of the first Monday in May, Baldwinsville found itself as home to the nation’s top-ranked high school girls lacrosse team.
According to www.laxpower.com, the Bees occupied the top spot, a rare honor generated by an 11-0 start that also put B’ville atop the state Class A rankings.
To celebrate, B’ville hosted Penfield Monday night at Pelcher-Arcaro Stadium and overcame a tight first half to beat the Patriots 17-9.
This was a duel of unbeaten teams. Penfield, from the Section V ranks, arrived at 8-0 and carried the no. 8 state Class A ranking. And for a while, it would make the Bees sweat hard.
Every time B’ville pushed in the first half, the Patriots would provide a ready answer, staying close enough to only be down 7-5 at halftime.
Like with so many other opponents, though, the Bees spent the second half wearing Penfield down, patiently piling up goals.
Just as important, though, was the way the Bees’ defense played. Meagan Rowe, Megan Collins and Caitlin Yaro led a back line that, combined with Casey Chiesa (seven saves), held Penfield without a goal for 21 minutes, allowing for the getway.
Kara Moschetti, with four goals, led a balanced attack where Erika Bulken and Katie VanDeValk each had three-goal hat tricks and Jen Fabian earned four assists.
Quincey Spagnoletti and Samantha Yaro matched each other, scoring twice, as Mackenzie Kjerstad earned one goal and one assist. Lauren Roberts and Erin Ward scored, too.
