With a 1-1 start behind them, the Cazenovia girls lacrosse team now turned its attention to what promised to be a spring full of vigorous opposition in the OHSL Liberty division.
Hosting fellow contender Westhill last Wednesday at the Fenner Street complex, the Lakers were shaky in the first half — but brilliant on both ends in the late going, rallying to a 16-14 win over the Warriors.
All through the early going, Cazenovia found itself overwhelmed on the defensive side. Westhill, led by the duo of Caroline Buonocore and Brenna Rainone (both of whom would finish with six goals), attacked and scored with virtual ease.
Modest production on the Lakers’ side kept it close, but it still trailed 10-6 at halftime and faced the alarming prospect of another home loss to go with the defeat to South Jefferson a week earlier.
But in the second half, Cazenovia began to dominate the draws, allowing the defense to rest a bit. What’s more, it used athleticism and skill to run right through Westhill’s back line, eventually erasing that four-goal deficit and moving out in front.
Gabby Jaquith, with five goals and three assists, led the comeback, as did Katie Kleine with her two goals and four assists. Colleen Dougherty and Kaitlyn Button each had three goals, with Kendra Volz scoring twice and Sarah Glass also getting a goal. Lauren Devine finished with 14 saves, twice the total of Warrior counterpart Morgan Roach.