Sussex Academy bucks Rams 23-11 in girls’ lax action
The Sussex Academy girls’ lacrosse team won its third straight game after triumphing over Parkside 23-11 April 30 in Georgetown.
The Seahawks jumped on the Rams early, building a 3-1 advantage before Callie Short scored three goals in about 90 seconds to increase the lead to 6-1. She said she was locked in during the sequence and ended the game with five goals and five assists.
“We came out with a lot of energy and intensity; that was something we really focused on,” Short said.
Joining the senior in the hat trick club were junior Shelby Manlove and sophomore Shea Danahy with six goals each, and freshman Liz Layton with three. Rilyn Lehman netted two, while Ellie Merrick and Emiley Bisaha each had a goal. Layton, Merrick and Bisaha tallied two helpers apiece. Manlove, Danahy, Lily Bisaha and June Hale all had an assist in the 23-goal outburst.
Taking a 17-6 lead into half, the Seahawks were in control throughout the game.
“This game, we really focused on pushing our speed and chemistry together, especially on offense,” said Seahawks coach Taylor Gibbs. “I think that's something that we were able to find today and capitalize on.”
Of Sussex Academy’s 23 goals, 15 came off assists.
“We've been working a lot on offensive movement, working with each other and playing off of each other's strengths, and I think that showed in today's game,” Gibbs said.
A late-goal surge from Parkside put the visitors into double digits, but before the closing minutes, the Seahawks defense stifled the Rams’ offense. Gibbs thinks chatter played a big role.
“It was communication and being ready to slide, especially when we know those stronger players are going to take the ball to the goal,” Gibbs said.
Junior Quinn Nutter was one of the key players communicating coverage and assignments.
“It's definitely a team effort,” Nutter said. “Everybody has to work together and trust each other for it to work.”
Short and Nutter both praised each other’s units and believed they had positive reciprocity in the 23-11 victory and believe the result will boost the team’s confidence.
“We're excited for the rest of our season and moving into the postseason,” Short said.
