Girls’ lax team impresses in rare win over Mansfield

It was a week of extremes for the CHS girls’ lacrosse team as the Bulldogs followed up their worst loss of the season, a 20-9 drubbing by Apponequet at home, with arguably their best win of the season, an 11-8 victory over league power Mansfield on the road.

Junior Mary Lennon (Mike Barucci photo)

The Hornets, who have struggled this season in the wake of the tragic death of teammate Michaela Smith, are nonetheless considered one of the stronger programs in the region and had owned Canton in previous meetings. As a result, the game last Wednesday was considered a major test for the Bulldogs — and they passed with flying colors, according to head coach Chris Murtagh.

“That was a big win for us,” Murtagh said. “It was only the second time we have beaten a team from Mansfield, the other time being two years ago. It was also a team win – we were subbing freely, and every player who went in there just played fantastic.”

The Bulldogs actually struggled out of the gate, falling behind 4-0 before mounting a comeback and eventually tying the game at 7-7 early in the second half. Canton then took the lead for good about seven minutes later on a goal by Kaitlin Phillips, who finished with two goals in the win.

Other top performers against Mansfield included junior Meghan Lennon, who added three goals to her team-leading total, and her sister, Mary Lennon, who finished with two goals. Senior captain Michelle McNeil also had two scores, while Jackie Merrigan and Shannon Proctor both had one apiece.

On defense, the team was led by senior Angela Sementelli, who has had an outstanding season and has really stepped it up over the past few games in the absence of star defenseman Emma Compagna. Sophomore goalie Casey Considine also had a strong performance, particularly in the second half when she was “amazing,” according to Murtagh.

The big win over the Hornets helped the girls atone for their previous game — last Monday’s disappointing loss against Apponequet, a regional school based in Lakeville. It was the first time that Canton had faced the South Coast Conference power, and their talent was evident from the start as the Lakers built a commanding first half lead that they never relinquished.

“It was rough from the start,” admitted Murtagh. “We called time out early to get ourselves together, but they were just really too strong.”

Meghan Lennon led all Canton scorers with three goals and two assists, and Michelle McNeil added a pair of goals. Mary Lennon, Mary McNeil, Avery Devoe, and Merrigan rounded out the scoring for the Bulldogs.

Now 4-2, the team was due to play three games this week, including road games at Norwood and North Attleboro and a home game tomorrow versus King Philip at 3:30 p.m.

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Posted by Jay Turner on Apr 26 2012. Filed under High School, Sports. Both comments and pings are currently closed.