The Skaneateles girls lacrosse team’s hard-fought overtime win over Marcellus on April 16 meant that it moved to the no. 6 spot in the state Class C rankings, just ahead of the Mustangs at no. 7.
But as the two rivals looked toward the May 8 rematch at Hyatt Stadium, the Lakers knew that plenty of other challenges remained – least of all making sure its own effort remained sharp.
That was a concern in last Wednesday’s game against Tully, where the weather turned wet and wild again, causing defensive trouble for Skaneateles even as it fought past the Black Knights 19-12.
From the start, Tully was not afraid of playing at a quick tempo, able to keep up with the Lakers for long stretches and find gaps in the defense, too.
So at the break, Skaneateles only carried a 9-6 lead, and it wasn’t made easier when rains entered the area and the winds kicked up, making it more difficult for everyone, players and spectators alike.
Skaneateles stayed calm and focused, though, led by Harvard-bound senior Emma Ford, who earned four goals and two assists, and Molly Wood, who also scored four times and added one assist.
Casey VanSlyke and Hannah Powers matched each other with three goals and one assist. Alana Navaroli managed two goals and one assist as Nicole Beatson also found the net twice. Kyla Sears contributed one goal and one assist.
Ally McNerney led Tully with four goals and one assist, but Laker goalie Malorie Olin had one of her best showings of the season, getting 12 saves.
Not happy with the defensive effort against Tully, the Lakers worked on that aspect of the game prior to Friday’s visit from LaFayette.
Safe to say, the work was worth it as Skaneateles shut down the Lancers 11-4. In particular, the Lakers honed in on LaFayette forward Cassley Jackowski, holding her to two goals while still finding time to contain the rest of the Lancers, too, Olin stopping 13 of 17 shots he faced.
The Lakers had its usual offensive balance, too, as Sears led the way, the freshman getting a three-goal hat trick an adding an assist. Ford, Wood, Navaroli and Powers each chimed in with two goals as Ford managed an assist.
Now having won nine in a row, the Lakers (9-1) would stay at home this week for games against Westhill and Cazenovia, trying to make sure that it doesn’t look too far ahead to the Marcellus rematch.
