True, the Skaneateles girls lacrosse team’s comeback effort against defending state Class C champion CBA fell short in a 9-7 home defeat on April 7.
From that game, though, the Lakers came away with an increased belief in itself, knowing it wasn’t that far away from the level of play required to reclaim the Class C throne from the Brothers.
Since more than a month remains before those two sides meet again in the regular-season finale at Alibrandi Stadium, the Lakers have a lot of time to build up more confidence.
In the immediate aftermath, Skaneateles, no. 5 in the initial state Class C rankings (CBA holds the top spot), made an impressive showing at Homer last Tuesday afternoon, controlling all aspects of the game in a 16-5 rout of the Trojans.
At times in the first half, the defense remained in question, but a proficient attack made up for it as the Lakers still moved ahead 7-4. Then the second half turned into an exhibition in which Homer could not stop anything Skaneateles wanted to do.
Six different players had multiple goals. Shelby McNeilly led the way, scoring four times, but Carly Davis, Emma Ford, Alana Navaroli, Casey VanSlyke and Nicole Beatson all finished with two goals. Beatson added a pair of assists as Natalie Roche and Hannah Logan got single goals. Davis and Navaroli earned one assist apiece.
Another big test loomed on Thursday, when Skaneateles visited state Class B no. 3-ranked Canandaigua.
And the Braves lived up to that billing in a big way, beating the Lakers 16-7. For much of the first half, the Lakers stayed within range, but an 8-5 deficit grew much larger as Canandaigua dominated the final 25 minutes of play.
A trio of players did most of the Braves’ damage, as Lauren D’Amore had a game-high five goals. Jordan Johnson managed four goals and two assists, while Kendall D’Amore (Lauren’s twin sister) also found the net four times.
On the Lakers’ side, McNeilly and Beatson both scored twice, with Navaroli gaining a goal and assist. Davis and Ford earned the other goals, with VanSlyke adding an assist.
Following a week to rest, recuperate and practice on what still needs to be worked on, the Lakers return to action late next week with home games against Tully and Watertown.
