Two teams with promising seasons ahead faced off Monday evening at SSG Christopher N. Piper Field. Unfortunately for Marblehead’s girls lacrosse team (1-1), it wasn’t meant to be as Manchester-Essex walked away with a 10-7 victory.
The Magicians got off to a slow start, going down 3-0 before rallying back and making it just a two-goal halftime deficit (5-3).
“I’m just really proud of how we played today. Manchester is such an amazing team and they have always been a top program that we’ve looked to compete with. Today, we came out strong and showed that we’re here to play this year,” said Marblehead Coach Annie Madden. “Everyone across the field came and put everything together. It’s early in the season, but what we saw today was the strength of each and every player.”
When Marblehead needed a goal, it was often senior captain Maddie Forbes (4 goals, assist) who stepped up and delivered. Forbes scored all three first-half goals to get Marblehead back into the game.
“She’s strong, has great stickwork, and a great field sense. Having her as one of our captains this year and what she does on the field and off the field is really special,” Madden said. “I’m really proud of how far she’s come as a player and as a person. She really has grown into the leader that we are going to need this season.”
Manchester-Essex scored four unanswered goals in the third quarter to give the Hornets a 9-3 advantage. Marblehead’s Kathryn Commoss (2 goals) and Ramona Gillett (goal) each scored in the final minutes of the third to keep the Magicians within striking distance.
In the fourth quarter, Marblehead went on a late surge with Commoss and Forbes finding the back of the net with less than 1:30 remaining in the game to cut the deficit to three (10-7). However, Marblehead ran out of time before it could cement a comeback.
“We were scoring up until the last minute and working hard until the final whistle,” Madden said. “That’s something to be incredibly proud of. As a coaching staff, knowing how hard everyone is working is great to see.”
When asked what positives Madden can take from the game, she mentioned defense and how her team looks strong in all aspects.
“I think our defense has done an outstanding job. We’re strong from top to bottom. Last year, we had a few pieces that were missing, but this year, our bench is strong and everyone on the field is strong,” Madden said. “Everything is starting to come together. We’re fast and quick all over the field and really fast in transition. I think we’re going to keep getting stronger.”
Sophomore goalie Molly Bullard made some incredible saves to keep the Magicians in the game. Madden praised her shot-stopper for playing with confidence, which helps everyone on the team.
“She has improved immensely this season. She had 12 saves today and she’s just more confident in goal. Seeing that confidence has helped our defense and everyone across the field,” Madden said. “Having her be a leader back there along with Courtney Hoguet, who is one of our captains, is really something that is going to improve every game.”
Another player who caught Madden’s eye was captain Gillett, who does whatever the team needs to get a win, according to her head coach.
“Ramona might not always put the ball in the back of the net, but she’s a workhorse on and off the field – that’s something you need on the team,” Madden said. “When the job needs to get done, she’s the one that will make sure it gets done.”
Marblehead looks to bounce back Thursday when it travels to Melrose at 5 p.m.
