More than a decade has passed since the Baldwinsville girls lacrosse team last claimed a Section III Class A title.
Not that the Bees haven’t tried to end that drought, always going deep into the sectional playoffs before making a painful exit – including a 10-9 defeat to Fayetteville-Manlius in last year’s semifinal round at CBA’s Alibrandi Stadium.
Now another quest for glory has begun for head coach Doug Rowe and his B’ville squad, and the opener went well as the Bees throttled Saratoga Springs 13-5 Tuesday night at Rome Free Academy Stadium.
With a large amount of returning talent, the Bees quickly shook any possible opening-night jitters and, in the first half, shut out the Blue Streaks, ultimately building a 9-0 edge.
Saratoga fared better in the second half, but the issue was settled. Jen Tilly, with three goals, led a well-balanced B’ville attack where Maggie Monnat, Claire Monnat, Katie Sullivan and Erin Ward each scored twice. Claire Monnat added a pair of assists, too, as Meghan Cuddy and Sarah Klaben notched single goals.
For the first big test of the season, B’ville will visit four-time defending sectional champion West Genesee next Tuesday night, prior to the April 7 home opener against Corcoran. B’ville’s boys team also opens this week – and also plays West Genesee and Corcoran.
