Cape girls beat Queen Anne’s 9-8 in battle of state champions
Cape girls’ lacrosse fell back into a zone defense protecting a 9-8 lead as the clock wound down to under a minute to play. The Lions of Queen Anne’s were on the hunt for the equalizer. Ball down. Mack Brown knocked down a feed, then Kelly Bragg scooped it up and cleared it to keep the ball moving.
“It’s about the only thing I did the entire game,” Brown said with a smile afterward.
The Vikings escaped with a 9-8 victory March 25, to go 2-0 on the season with wins over formidable foes Stephen Decatur and Queen Anne’s.
“This was a battle between defending state champions,” said Cape coach Lindsey Underwood. “Queen Anne’s was undefeated Class 2A state champs last year. “Fortunately, we never had to chase the score from the underside, but their goalie was lights out, and Ella [Rishko] had a couple pipe shots.”
Cape led 5-4 at halftime, then extended it to 7-5 in a second half that was played even at 4-4.
Coach Kesley Fitzgerald handled an emotional one-goal loss with forthright class: “I’d feel a lot better if we had won, but it was a great game and our first game of the season. These two programs need each other and should play every year. I know it gets us both ready for tournament play in our own states.”
Cape’s nine goals were set up by seven assists. Goal scorers were Lulu Rishko with three, Ella Rishko and Molly Mendes with two each, and single goals from Bragg and Maren Buckaloo.
Cape assists were Ella Rishko, Buckaloo and Mendes with two each and Bragg with one.
The Vikings outshot the Lions 22-14.
Anna Lopez went the distance in goal for the Vikings.
Queen Anne’s sophomore goalie Madeline George had 13 real-deal saves.
“Lulu got six of her 10 draw controls in the second half,” Underwood said. “Grace Wiggins did a great job in transition for us, cutting out for the clear quickly, and Anna was on target with her clearing passes.”
Cape evens the series with Queen Anne’s that began in 2013 at 4-4.
The Vikings also won the JV game 6-5. Goal scorers were Olivia Burkentine and Lina Frederick each with two goals, while Sophia Massaro and Anna Sullivan had one apiece.
Abigail Schaeffer and Morgan Newcomb split time in the goal.
Cape will play at Polytech Wednesday, March 30. Varsity plays first at 5 p.m. The Panthers won their season opener 17-7 at Archmere Academy.
Queen Anne’s scorers will be included when roster and information are provided.
