The season quickly turned on its head for the Cardinals.
After claiming their first two games in decisive fashion – doubling- or tripling-up their opponents – scoring ran dry. They couldn’t manage more than eight goals themselves across three consecutive losses.
A change in net made all the difference in getting back on track.
Pope Francis Prep girls lacrosse (3-3) outlasted Lee (0-5) by way of a 14-10 score Thursday afternoon at Lee Middle and High School. The Cardinals went six-deep on the scorers’ list to do so, getting back to .500 and ending their slump.
Ali Soja was the steady hand throughout. She pitched in a season-high five goals, and notched two assists in addition.
The visiting crew got three other multi-goal scorers in the forms of senior Jordyn Balint, junior Ava Moltenbrey and junior Ella Negron. They tallied seven between them, headlined by Balint’s three goals and two assists.
Coach Tim Allerton opted to shake things up after halftime, pulling senior Zoe Shepard from the net after she stopped just two of 11 shots on goal in the opening frame.
Replacing her with freshman Avery Savage proved to be a game-saving move.
The Cardinals weathered a six-goal showing from Netti Boyko as Savage held her own during the stretch run. She made seven saves and allowed just one score after stepping in.
Pope Francis Prep heads into spring break in the win column, and will next host Hoosac Valley on April 29 at 4:30 pm. Lee is back in action sooner – welcoming Granby on Monday at 4:15 pm.
Other Girls Lacrosse Results
Thursday, Apr. 17
BAY STATE
Wellesley High School 17, Natick High School 6 – Box Score
Newton North High School 15, Braintree High School 6 – Box Score
Needham High School 14, Milton High School 4 – Box Score
Walpole High School 21, Weymouth High School 7 – Box Score
CATHOLIC
Notre Dame Academy (Hingham) 15, Cohasset High School 7 – Box Score
PIONEER LEAGUE
Granby Jr./Sr. High School 21, Pittsfield High School 10 – Box Score
Hoosac Valley Middle/High School 16, McCann Technical High School 2 – Box Score
Pope Francis Prep School 14, Lee Middle/High School 10 – Box Score
Amherst-Pelham Reg High School 15, Hampshire Regional Middle/High School 5 – Box Score
SUBURBAN LEAGUE
Granby Jr./Sr. High School 21, Pittsfield High School 10 – Box Score
Hoosac Valley Middle/High School 16, McCann Technical High School 2 – Box Score
Amherst-Pelham Reg High School 15, Hampshire Regional Middle/High School 5 – Box Score
VALLEY WHEEL
East Longmeadow High School 15, Westfield High School 4 – Box Score
West Springfield High School 14, Minnechaug Regional High School 5 – Box Score
Independent
Notre Dame Academy (Hingham) 15, Cohasset High School 7 – Box Score
