WINDHAM — Despite facing a strong defense, the Massabesic girls’ lacrosse team still managed its share of good shots Thursday night.
An impressive passing game allowed the Mustangs to find the few cracks in Windham’s staunch zone defense, resulting in a 13-6 victory.
“When you’re playing against a zone, you cannot hold onto the ball,” said Massabesic Coach Brooks Bowen. “You’ve got to be able to move the move the ball and you have to be able to catch in small areas with passes.
“One of the key things we’ve worked on this year is the ability to catch in a tight, small area – especially inside the 8 when they close in on you. Tonight we were really able to execute that.”
The Mustangs (9-0) scored the first three goals and opened a 5-1 lead midway through the first half.
“They jumped out 5-1 and it’s kind of like ‘holy cow,’ ” said Windham Coach Matt Perkins. “The rest of the way it’s 8-5. That’s a little bit different. You can’t let a team like this come out and get those early goals but I was very happy with some of the changes we were able to make.”
Even a solid showing on defense, plus 10 saves from goalie Grace Sawyer, couldn’t hold off the Mustangs’ well-rounded offense.
“We called a timeout and fixed it some, then they adjusted,” said Perkins. “Then we fixed again at halftime and then they made another adjustment. They do a great job.”
That great job resulted in seven Mustangs scoring, led by four from Taylor Manning.
Skylar Renaud added three goals, Logan Champlin scored twice, and Kailyn Forrester, Morgan Pike, Josie Ring and Madison Drain each added a goal.
“We were focusing on ball movement and foot movement in the offensive end,” said Bowen. “Once we got the ball really moving, we turned the zone a little bit and were able to capitalize on a couple good plays on our part. We were very consistent and we’re very excited to get out of here with a (win) tonight.”
Mya Mannette paced the Eagles (7-2) with a pair of goals and an assist.
Alanna Joyce, Holly Spencer, Kaitlyn Roberts and Belle Skvorak also scored.
After starting 6-0 this season, Windham fell twice this week – also losing to Marshwood, a regional power.
Both losses offered learning opportunities for the Eagles.
“(Massabesic) and Marshwood are the teams that I’ve said for four years, we just need to keep closing the gap,” said Perkins. “What’s great when you play an awesome team like this, they’re going to show you what you need to fix.
“Ground balls, and kind of rushing and throwing the ball away for us – you’ve got to do a better job, but I’m very proud of the girls with their effort and was happy with the way they made the changes we talked about needing to make.”
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