Cape girls’ lax beats Ocean City 16-8 and Worcester Prep 20-3
Cape girls’ lacrosse hosted South Jersey powerhouse Ocean City (12-2) May 9 at Champions Stadium. The game was knotted at 5-5 at halftime. Delainey Sutley of Ocean City was controlling the draw.
“We were too cautious and methodical in the first half,” said Cape coach Lindsey Underwood after the Vikings ran off an 11-3 crooked number in the second half for a 16-8 victory.
“We need to play fast and loose while being smart. That is our style. Once we sped up the game, we looked more relaxed.”
Goalie Anna Lopez kept Cape in the game with 12 saves and deft clearing passes. Cape had a slim 25-24 advantage in shots on goal.
Ella Rishko asserted her Division I star power by scoring five goals and adding two assists. Kelly Bragg joined the party with four goals, while Maren Buckaloo added three, Molly Mendes tallied two and Lulu Rishko and Lexi Nowakowski each collected one.
Ocean City goals were scored by Maddie Wenner with three, Gracey Pierce and Delaney Sutley each with two and Richele Levysmith with one.
Presley Green had eight saves for Ocean City.
Cape smashes Worcester
Cape celebrated 20 years of girls’ lacrosse history May 10 at Champions Stadium with a 20-3 win over the Mallards of Worcester Prep. Ella Rishko notched her 100th goal in the first half, which is amazing considering the Class of 2022 lost their sophomore season due to the COVID shutdown.
“Worcester used to destroy us in the beginning years,” said Diane Brown, who was a coach in the early years for Cape.
“We had a few one-goal games against them,” said former Cape coach P.J. Kesmodel, who was back on the pitch for the first time this season.
Cape led 14-1 at the half, then the young girls of Atlantic Lacrosse took to the field for some skills and speed competition.
Atlantic Lacrosse is a major feeder program, but Cape doesn’t get them all.
Cape goal scorers were Lulu Rishko with four; Ella Rishko with three; Lexi Nowakowski, Maren Buckaloo, Sarah Naar and Grace Wiggins each with two; and Landon Diehl, Kelly Bragg, Sierra Manifold, Molly Mendes and Lexi Truitt each with one goal.
Myranda Beebe tallied two for Worcester, while Emma Zajdel scored one.
Caitlin Williams had 18 saves. Cape outshot Worcester 38-3.
State tournament games begin Tuesday and Wednesday, May 17-18.
