(Newburyport) Very surprising.
Both teams were 16-1 last year and both had won their first two games this year.
A girls lacrosse game between two such teams figured to be close………..but it wasn’t.
Newburyport started fast and Masconomet never recovered.
The final was 15-3 in a non-league game on Tuesday afternoon.
The entire second half was played using running time.
The Clippers (3-0) scored three times in the first 4 ½ minutes. Masco called a timeout. The Clippers came out of the timeout and added four more goals in the next 2 ½ minutes. This one had “long game” written all over it in a hurry for the team from Boxford.
“When we play that fast and move the ball that well, it’s even hard for another team to set up a defense,” explained Newburyport coach Catherine Batchelder afterwards.
The Clippers sped into the Masco end early and often and outnumbered their defenders. Good passing then set up open looks and the goals started piling up.
“We played a really good team game,” said four-goal scorer Anna Affolder post-game. “We had a lot of transition goals that were assisted.”
Anna and Izzy Rosa each had four goals. Olivia McDonald and Lilly Pons both scored twice while Reese Bromby, Rita Cahalane, and Maeve Sullivan each had one goal.
Almost every Newburyport goal was scored from in close.
The Clippers had an 11-1 lead at the half. Emmy Clark had the Masco goal.
Newburyport tallied two goals in the first four minutes of the second half. Izzy Rosa’s fourth goal was assisted by Lilly Pons. Rita Cahalane moved the NHS lead to, 13-1, assisted by Olivia McDonald.
Both teams scored twice the rest of the way as the running time limited the opportunities.
Emmy Clark had two goals in the game for Masco while Bella Juliano had a solo goal.
The Clippers defense was also very good today. Goalie Kate Keller set the tone. “She had an unbelievable game making nine saves,” said Coach Batchelder.
“Masco is a very good team,” said Anna. “They are always physical, and they always give us a run for our money.”
Anna, only a junior, has committed to Holy Cross.
I heard one of the Newburyport fans chanting, “D1, D1,” as Anna went from midfield to finish with a goal.
Masco lost to Chelmsford in the D1 North finals last year. Newburyport reached the D2 state semifinals and lost at Dover-Sherborn.
The weather was terrific with sunshine and temperatures in the 60’s.
Newburyport 11 4 = 15
Masco 1 2 = 3
(The pictures will enlarge.)
McClelland Miscellanea 