Cape girls’ lax runs with the big dogs at play day
The scoreboard clock kept time but not scoring tallies March 15, as Cape hosted a four-team play day featuring stalwart teams Bishop Shanahan, Glenelg and Manchester Valley.
“I was really happy with the way they played,” said Cape coach Lindsey Underwood, who has won six state titles since taking over from PJ Kesmodel in 2016. Manchester Valley is ranked No. 3 and Glenelg is No. 6 in the mid-Atlantic region for public schools, according to USALacrosse. “We were definitely tested. You can see the team is starting to play with confidence, and we are finding combinations that work all over the field. Last year‘s graduating class was huge. We graduated more kids than we returned, so it’s an exciting time for everybody as every position is up for grabs. The girls have been working really hard and pushing each other each day in practice. Everyone is willing to play any position, and they really have a team-first attitude already this year, which is just fun to coach.”
Since state championships started for Cape in 2009, the highest number of players lost to graduation was nine back in 2018.
Play on the pitch was approximately level for all three scrimmages, as the Vikings showed stretch and speed all over the field.
Ally Diehl, a sophomore, looked strong on draw controls and the up-and-down game. First-year starter in goal Abby Schaeffer, a senior, has looked strong between the pipes, and has been deft and fearless on clearing passes. Madison Mark, a defender, also looked good in the scrimmages.
Cape opens the regular season Monday, March 24, hosting Polytech before away games at Queen Anne’s County Wednesday, March 26; at Broadneck Saturday, March 29; and at Sussex Academy Wednesday, April 2.
“It’s a tough schedule to start the season,” said Cape’s super scout Richard Collins, who goes back over a decade with the Cape program. “Losing so many great players to graduation, I was a little worried, but watching the play day against three really good teams, I’m not worried at all. They should have another great season.”
Polytech, Milford and Dover have canceled their JV seasons. Cape’s JV record in 2024 was 13-0. The smallest margin of victory was six goals.
