On Thursday, April 30, the varsity girls lacrosse team defeated Cambridge Rindge and Latin School (CRLS) 17-0 on the Wayland High School turf. Heading into the game, Wayland was ranked No. 6 in Division III of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) power rankings with a record of two wins and seven losses. CRLS is currently ranked No. 37 in the Division I MIAA power rankings and holds the same record as Wayland. According to senior captain Annie Melander, the team was feeling confident their skills would overpower the CRLS team.

First quarter:

Freshman Ella Berenson opened the game with a strong opening draw, sending the ball into open space. The ball was then quickly picked up by a Wayland player, bringing it down the field. CRLS played aggressive defensively, leading to a foul that awarded freshman Ailie Newton a penalty shot. Newton scored in the bottom right corner of the goal, kicking off Wayland’s lead. Wayland built off this momentum to score five goals in the first quarter. The team also had a strong defense, having multiple turnovers.

Second quarter:

Starting the second quarter strong, senior captain Mackenzie Morris scored to extend Wayland’s lead to 6-0 just minutes into the quarter. Wayland continued scoring by using specific stick skills against the CRLS defense, cutting to open space and settling the ball around the circle. These tactics got Wayland into the double-digits, which caused the clock to change to running time. Junior Elle Mueller scored the final goal of the half, ending with a score of 13-0.

Third quarter:

With CRLS going into the second half down 13, their defense became very aggressive and tight, which caused multiple fouls. These penalties gave Wayland players the opportunity to set up some eight-meter shots, causing CRLS to struggle with defending in front of the net. Freshman Morgan Shaberly scored her first varsity goal of the season, dodging around her defender and into the eight-meter circle, giving the perfect angle for a shot. Shaberly’s goal was the only one of the third quarter, which ended in a 14-0 Wayland lead.

Fourth quarter:

With such a big lead, Wayland coach Ashley Means subbed out much of the starting lineup to give all players time on the field. Junior Aine Chase, who normally plays defense for the Warriors, was moved to attack, which gave her the opportunity to score the first goal of the fourth quarter. Similar to the other quarters, Wayland held the majority of possession throughout, resulting in a final score of 17-0.

“It was really fun to be switched to a different position, yet it was also challenging,” Chase said. “During practice we really capitalize on being a versatile player and playing every position. [However,] when it comes to games I focus on playing defense, so it was definitely a challenge trying to shift my mindset.”

The girls varsity lacrosse team has a tradition where they award the “Player of the Game” a toy dog named “Rafa” to take home until the next game. This game, the winner of Rafa was Shaberly, scoring her first varsity goal.

“I was so excited to get my first goal, especially in such a successful game,” Shaberly said. “Becoming the MVP of the game meant a lot to me because I’ve worked so hard.”

Gallery • 12 Photos

Credit: Grace Zocco

Before their game against Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, the girls varsity lacrosse team has to go through a stick check. The stick checks are done by the referees to ensure that the pocket on each player's stick isn't too deep.