WHS girls’ lacrosse unstoppable in defeating Falmouth

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham varsity girls’ lacrosse team faced Falmouth at home on Tuesday, May 5 and the Eagles were coming off a loss from Thornton Academy and would not be stopped this game. Windham kept the Navigators scoreless in the first quarter, while they scored four goals. The pressure continued both offensively and defensively and at the final buzzer, Windham ousted Falmouth, 14-5.

Windham sophomore Brooklyn Roy prepares to take a shot
at the goal during a girls' varsity lacrosse game against
Falmouth at Windham High School on Tuesday, May 5.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

“It was a lot of focus and hard work,” said Windham senior Neve Ledbetter who scored five goals during the game. “The approach was just to adjust when things were thrown at us and having adversity on the field. I think we really played together as a team and that was one of the biggest key factors for today’s win. Our defense was really good, our transition went well, we executed our offense pretty well. I would say the basics like stick work and catching and dodging are the biggest things that need work, but overall, I think we did a really good job.”

Windham pressured and showed they were going to win this one from the very first whistle. Windham senior Abby Trainor scored, then junior Morgan McLain, then Ledbetter. Trainor scored again before the end of the first quarter.

The Eagle’s offense was winning draws and worked hard to be first to the ball. Trainor and Ledbetter ran up the scoreboard. Midway through, Windham led, 8-2.

In the second half, the Eagles remained aggressive. Sophomore Brooklyn Roy and senior Mady Donnelly both scored.

Falmouth was catching up, but not quickly.

In the fourth quarter, Windham junior goalie Avery Adams had a save which combined with her team’s defense, kept the Navigators scoreless in the fourth quarter.

“Our approach was scrapping (the loss) against TA that did show how we play and operate as a team,” said Trainor who scored seven goals during the game. “Coming into Falmouth we added a bunch of new stuff on our offense to prepare; if they’re going to faceguard, come out in a man or zone defense. In the second quarter they came out in a faceguard which opened up the offense a lot more. Coach Perkins always says our six offenders are better than any six defenders in the state. Incorporating everyone on our offense (can keep this momentum up). When everyone hones into what they are good at, we are just unstoppable.” 

Trainor said coming down on their fast break needs work. They can control the offense, but they came down fast break and if they would have slowed it down, they could have had a better opportunity to score.

"I thought our ride was great, causing turnovers, forcing Falmouth to play the length of field, the effort is always great,” said Windham varsity girls lacrosse coach Matt Perkins. “Refocusing on the next game, what are we going to do and how to take care of business there is a big focus for us. It’s a grind, we just got to continue to work and stay positive.” <