A commanding 13-6 win over Winchester High School on Friday, May 30 provided Westford Academy Girls’ Lacrosse with a bright start to their bid for the Massachusetts State Championship.
The Ghosts led the first half of the game with aggressive, decisive plays that allowed them to gain an 8 point lead going into the third quarter. However, post-halftime, Winchester grew increasingly energized, putting WA’s offense and defense to the test.
“The team, right out of the gate, got in, put the ball in the net, and was ready for the next [opportunity to score],” head coach Julie Olivier said.
Freshman Grace Trahan set the tone for WA’s first and second quarters with a successful shot to Winchester’s net immediately after the Ghosts gained the first possession. Keeping up their momentum, senior captain Kassidy Carmichael scored WA’s second goal soon after.
With a two point lead in under two minutes, the Ghosts knocked Winchester flat on their back and refused to let up as Trahan, Kassidy Carmichael, junior captain Evie Weber, and sophomore Kiley Carmichael kept WA’s offensive line right next to their opponent’s net.
For the remainder of the first quarter, the Ghosts were unrelenting, releasing a torrent of precise shots that denied Winchester a chance to breathe, and extended WA’s lead to 6-1. Weber, Kassidy Carmichael, Trahan, and Kiley Carmichael worked as a unit to cut through Winchester’s defense.
The second quarter picked up right where the first quarter left off with WA’s offense quickly surrounding Winchester’s net. Kassidy Carmichael executed a dodge and a fast break to the net, bringing the score to 7-1 and proving that the Ghosts were leaving nothing to chance.
Winchester managed to gain some footing with a successful goal, but the Ghosts took it in stride and continued to increase their lead. WA was able to consistently carry out strategic plays due to the efforts of Weber, Kassidy Carmichael, and sophomore Mia Cullen, all of whom contributed to a score of 9-2.
By halftime, Winchester had hit their stride, spending significantly more time near WA’s net. However, sophomore goalie Ava Preysnar was able to block multiple shots from Winchester’s offense, keeping the score at 11-3.
Winchester’s newfound intensity was apparent in the third quarter as their attackers intercepted passes and made more fast drives to WA’s half of the field. Although the Ghosts seemed to be losing energy, their passes and cohesion were still on full display.
Cullen kept WA’s offense sharp, with several tactical assists that helped the team reach a score of 13-3. Senior captain Erin Keefe was also instrumental in blocking Winchester at the midfield.
While the Ghosts’ vigor took a noticeable hit in the fourth quarter, Winchester’s final 12 minutes were the strongest of the game.
“I think we did really well at working our hardest today and communicating on attack and defense […] [but] I think we could have improved on staying positive throughout the game [by] helping each other out and keeping that energy up,” Weber said.
Flying sprints across the field led to intense clashes between Winchester attackers and WA midfielders. Keefe and Kiley Carmichael were leading forces at these battles at the 50-yard line while Weber worked hard to bring the ball back to Winchester’s net.
Even so, Winchester’s second wind managed to overcome the Ghosts’ final efforts. After the halfway point of the fourth quarter, at their highest intensity, Winchester was able to score three more points. Despite their loss, the team celebrated their determination as the game ended with a score of 13-6 while the Ghosts quietly enjoyed their success.
WA’s victory allows them to progress to the Round of 16 games, where they will face off against King Philip Regional High School at WA’s Trustees Field on Tuesday, June 3 at 4:00 p.m.
As the sixth seed in the Division 1 tournament, and with a regular season record of 15-3, WA Girls’ Lacrosse has had an exceptional season. According to Weber, the team’s optimism is high and their sights are set on the championship title.
“I think if we keep playing like we’ve been playing, we can go really far and I’m excited for the [rest of the] season,” Weber said.
