Over the past few games, Masconomet girls lacrosse coach Alan McCarthy sensed something was lacking in the Chieftains face-off work.
With Manchester Essex coming to town yesterday, McCarthy's girls needed to be sharp on draws to secure a win.
Check and Check.
The Chieftains more than doubled the Hornets on draw controls, thanks to the work of Kathleen Gillespie and Becca Phillips and ultimately won the game, 15-8.
The win has the unbeaten Chieftains sitting pretty in the Cape Ann League with an overall record of 7-0.
"Kathleen and Becca did a great job controlling the draws; we had 17 controls today," said McCarthy, whose Manchester Essex opponent had just eight draw controls.
"We started out the first few games really winning a lot of draws, but the last few (games) it's been about even. We worked on it in practice, and the girls came out ready. It makes a huge difference."
The Hornets (3-2) had no answer for Amy Arnold, especially in the first half where the junior poured in five of her team-high seven goals. Rachel Rogal (two assists), Gillespie (one assist) and Phillips scored two goals each as Masco put 32 shots on ME keeper Katie Furber (17 saves).
"She is really good. She can take over the game when she wants to," McCarthy said. "And she spreads the ball around as well. She can be a force out there."
Taylor Meek led the Hornets with five goals but outstanding two-way play from Zoe Cennami and 10 strong saves from freshman keeper Lili Miller helped the Chieftains keep the Hornets at bay. Seniors Brynn Wendel and Alison Foden also played extremely well defensively.
