If a dream scenario for the Marcellus girls lacrosse team to capture its first-ever Section III championship offered itself, it may resemble the real path the Mustangs needs to take to get that elusive prize.
It would only figure that the Mustangs, to win it all, would have to defeat its rival and long-time nemesis, Skaneateles. And it only makes sense that it will take place on the grand stage of the Carrier Dome turf, where so much lacrosse history has taken place.
Even the last step toward that showdown fit right into the script, for Marcellus had to make its way past another neighbor, Westhill, in Thursday night’s sectional Class C semifinal at Liverpool High School Stadium. But the Mustangs did so, proving too quick and skillful for the Warriors while earning a 13-7 victory.
To some degree, this was foretold early in the regular season. When these two side had met on April 11, Marcellus toyed with Westhill and won big, 15-7. Everyone on both sides figured the playoff rematch would prove closer, and it was – but not nearly enough to make up the gap between the two.
Leading from start to finish, the Mustangs got going with Grace Coon’s goal just 1:09 into the game. An exchange followed with Erin McMullen Haleigh Farrell, and Shelby Stack netting goals for the Warriors, though it still found itself unable to put together a sustained run.
What happened late in the first half proved decisive. Abby Vetsch, who had already scored twice, tacked on two more goals as part of a 5-1 run to close the half. Coon, Maddie Conklin and Collette Rigas converted, too, and suddenly a close contest was 9-4 in the Mustangs’ favor at the break.
The entire second half turned into a futile chase on Westhill’s part. McMullen, Stack and Natlie Jetter got goals, but injuries took a toll and the Mustangs were patient with the ball when it was on the attack, assuring that the Warriors could not catch up.
Vetsch finished with a career-best five goals as Coon scored four times and Conklin got two goals and one assist. Rigas and Lily Powell each had one goal and one assist as Anna Vetsch contributed an assist.
Then Marcellus got just the sectional title game it wanted when Skaneateles, in the other semifinal game, took out South Jefferson 15-8. On Tuesday night at 6 p.m., the Mustangs and Lakers will battle for a championship.
