Girls lacrosse posts two wins

The Lady Outlaws played two lacrosse matches at home on Saturday, April 9. Sisters defeated West Salem 11-7 and went on to beat West Albany 13-12 in overtime.

Sisters started out strong in their match against West Salem, with a great draw control (essentially a face-off) from Sydney Head, who had a quick goal in the first two minutes. West Salem snuck in two goals in the next 10 minutes, but the Outlaws responded with a goal from Marissa Young to tie it up 2-2.

Once the Outlaws got in their groove, they were unstoppable. After the half, West Salem started to lose some of their energy, and Sisters kept firing on all cylinders.

Goalie Addy Baney was definitely a key player for the Outlaws, and saved a total of 15 shots on goal. Both teams had a total of 22 shots on goal, but Sisters was able to place them better, and Baney blocked more.

Coach Mikaela Trott told The Nugget that the home defensive team, Mackenzie Hendrickson, Sophia Bianchi, and Sierra Hummel and Keely Roberson, helped win the game with excellent sliding, crashing, and communication.

Sydney Head held her own on the draw control, and got the ball to the Outlaws a total of nine times. She also had two goals, four ground ball controls, and one caused turnover.

Top scorers for the Outlaws were Marissa Young, who finished the game with five goals, and Katelyn Josten who scored two.

The win was especially sweet since the Outlaws had previously lost 14-12 to West Salem two weeks earlier.

Sisters went on to earn a victory over West Albany in overtime. The Outlaws didn't gain their momentum until they were able to adjust their level and style of play against West Albany, which played very differently than West Salem.

"This team was very connected and trustworthy of each other," said Trott. "They passed the ball often, and in long distances, and had a quick offense. Their goalie also came out of the goal often, and would run the ball up to make a long pass almost to the other side of the field.

"We had to adjust to a new style of defense, less of a zone, and more of a man-to-man. On offense, we also had to adjust to less of a cutting offense and more of an isolation/wrapping style."

The score fluctuated back and forth throughout the game, and with one minute left in the game, Sisters trailed 12-10.

Trott called a time-out and the Outlaws made plans to score two goals in the next minute. They executed the plan perfectly. Sydney Head picked up her second goal, and Marissa Young put in one more with 17 seconds left on the clock, and the game went into overtime.

Trott explained what happened.

"We stepped back onto the field with so much adrenaline. Sydney Head took the draw, swatted the ball, Mackenna Jones hit it once more, and Marissa Young was able to pull it up, and charge down to the goal with a bounce shot on the goalie's left side. It was in and the game was over."

Marissa Young led the Outlaws with six goals, and Taylor Schneider and Sydney Head each scored two. Bree Papworth, Ellie Cook, and Katelyn Josten each chipped in one goal.

Hummel had six ground balls on defense and many amazing midfield transactions. Jones had three ground balls, an interception, and one caused turnover. Keely Roberson tallied four ground balls and one interception. Baney had five saves as goalie.

Trott noted Young's outstanding play.

"Marissa dominated this game with her intensity, stick skills and two left-handed goals for a total of six goals."

Trott added, "Sisters has a great relationship with West Albany and loved playing them. Their girls are very friendly and great sports, and we enjoyed a barbecue at the end of it all."

The Outlaws will travel to West Albany on Thursday, April 14, for another match.