VESTAL - Jenna Lotkowictz had a chat with some former Skaneateles girls lacrosse players before Saturday's central regional against Corning East.
“Some of our players that had graduated already gave us some advice,” the senior said. “They said, ‘take chances in the first five minutes,' and that's what we did. We went hard, no regrets, and got a couple of quick goals. That really set the tone for the rest of the game.”
The words of encouragement translated into five goals in the first seven minutes in the Lakers' 13-5 win over the Trojans. Skaneateles (18-5) moves on to face the winner of Section V champion Honeoye Falls and Section VI title-holder Amherst at noon on Friday in Cortland for the right to advance to the Class C state championship.
The Lakers quick start was a change from games earlier this season. Known for its high-octane offense in years past, Skaneateles has had to fight a bit this year. Besides a near 20-goal victory over Canton in the first round in the state playoffs, games have been closer this season.
“The last couple games, besides Canton, have been these tight games and we haven't got up and got ahead,” said Skaneateles coach Bridget Marquardt. “So the game plan was to come out hard and go to goal fast and then we wouldn't be so scared and play so tentative.”
Corning East ran into a team that tried and succeeded to get its scoring back on track. Emma Hueber scored just 19 seconds in, and Skaneateles was off and running.
Hueber's goal was followed by scores from Shannon Tierney, Kelsey Nangle and Lotkowictz.
The Lakers were able to hold the ball and hold their lead, managing the clock to their advantage.
“Besides the heat, controlling the ball was important,” Marquardt said. “Offensively we had a lot of shots and we backed it up and got the rebound, so that was important. Time management was a big key today.”
Skaneateles was also able to sub fresh players on the field at will, but by the second half Corning East only had one spare player in the heat and humidity.
“It's hard with a couple subs to play this hard for that long,” said Trojan coach Kim McNaney. “Some of them are banged up a little bit from the season.”
By the end of the half, the Lakers had worn down the Trojans, causing turnovers and preventing clears. Corning East had surprised Skaneateles by scoring the first goal of the half to make it 8-5, but the Lakers went on a five-goal run to end it.
Skaneateles led in shots 30-13 and had 30 ground balls. Corning East controlled draws 12-8 and Laker goalie Heather Mullen had eight saves.
Lindsay Angelillo led all scorers with three goals and one assist, teammate Nangle added three and Tierney and Lotkowictz pitched in with two apiece. Maddie Morrissey (assist) and Hueber added goals.
Skaneateles is in familiar territory, heading to its fourth straight state final four. Two have resulted in titles.
“When you get into the state tournament every team is good,” Lotkowictz said. “The team that's going to win is the team that wants it more, that's what it comes down to. Every team has good skills, it's just the team that has more heart and plays with heart will win.”
Lakers 13
Trojans 5
The words of encouragement translated into five goals in the first seven minutes in the Lakers' 13-5 win over the Trojans. Skaneateles (18-5) moves on to face the winner of Section V champion Honeoye Falls and Section VI title-holder Amherst at noon on Friday in Cortland for the right to advance to the Class C state championship.
The Lakers quick start was a change from games earlier this season. Known for its high-octane offense in years past, Skaneateles has had to fight a bit this year. Besides a near 20-goal victory over Canton in the first round in the state playoffs, games have been closer this season.
“The last couple games, besides Canton, have been these tight games and we haven't got up and got ahead,” said Skaneateles coach Bridget Marquardt. “So the game plan was to come out hard and go to goal fast and then we wouldn't be so scared and play so tentative.”
Corning East ran into a team that tried and succeeded to get its scoring back on track. Emma Hueber scored just 19 seconds in, and Skaneateles was off and running.
Hueber's goal was followed by scores from Shannon Tierney, Kelsey Nangle and Lotkowictz.
The Lakers were able to hold the ball and hold their lead, managing the clock to their advantage.
“Besides the heat, controlling the ball was important,” Marquardt said. “Offensively we had a lot of shots and we backed it up and got the rebound, so that was important. Time management was a big key today.”
Skaneateles was also able to sub fresh players on the field at will, but by the second half Corning East only had one spare player in the heat and humidity.
“It's hard with a couple subs to play this hard for that long,” said Trojan coach Kim McNaney. “Some of them are banged up a little bit from the season.”
By the end of the half, the Lakers had worn down the Trojans, causing turnovers and preventing clears. Corning East had surprised Skaneateles by scoring the first goal of the half to make it 8-5, but the Lakers went on a five-goal run to end it.
Skaneateles led in shots 30-13 and had 30 ground balls. Corning East controlled draws 12-8 and Laker goalie Heather Mullen had eight saves.
Lindsay Angelillo led all scorers with three goals and one assist, teammate Nangle added three and Tierney and Lotkowictz pitched in with two apiece. Maddie Morrissey (assist) and Hueber added goals.
Skaneateles is in familiar territory, heading to its fourth straight state final four. Two have resulted in titles.
“When you get into the state tournament every team is good,” Lotkowictz said. “The team that's going to win is the team that wants it more, that's what it comes down to. Every team has good skills, it's just the team that has more heart and plays with heart will win.”
Lakers 13
Trojans 5
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