Despite leading after the first half , varsity girls lacrosse lost their home opener 11-12 on Thursday, April 1st, to the Westford Academy Ghosts, a member of the DCL-Large.

The Ghosts immediately took the lead, scoring four goals in a row in the first five minutes of the game. Wayland head coach Erica Kluge called a time out to collect her players. After the time out, the Warriors gained the momentum in the draws and in the attack. They found their heads and out-scored Westford 8-2, finishing the first half on top at 8-6.

Wayland’s attack was led by senior captains Hanna Peper and Katie Miller, who each scored twice, and Mel Sperling, who scored four times. Sophomore Katie Terranova also played strongly and scored one for the Warriors in her new high attack position, after playing defensive wing last year.

After the break, Wayland went on to score first in the second half, showing momentum. But the momentum was lost when Westford was able to score a couple of quick goals, led by forward Bailey Mangilo, who finished the game with five.

Westford was able to score off of their quick transitions through the midfield, where the Wayland players did not keep up with their marks. “Our offense and defense are strong,” said Peper. “But we really need to focus on transitions before we meet Weston next week.”

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Senior Maggie Davis led the defense of seniors Liz Doyon, Mo Powell, and Molly Murphy who played an aggressive and physical defense because the referees were not calling many of the charges and pushes.

In the second half, the Ghosts took it by out-scoring Wayland 6-3. They ended the game with a stalling play that frustrated Wayland players could not overturn.

Said Miller, “Our defense had an amazing first half. We just have to keep that intensity up throughout the second half too.”

The game marked the first loss for Wayland, who will not face the Ghosts again this season.

“I think it was a strong way to start off the season,” said Miller. “We didn’t get the outcome we wanted, but Westford is a really good team and we [were able to] come back from being down 4-0.”

This week the season will kick into gear when Wayland has three games starting on Tuesday with an away game at rival Weston. On Thursday, the Warriors will face Arlington away, and on Saturday, Dover-Sherborn away.

“We have a very enthusiastic crew who are motivated and ready to win and make it to playoffs,” said Kluge.