Eleven Different Wildcats Score In Shutout Rout
WILDCAT SOPHOMORE attacker Alexis Samante prepares to shoot while RC sophomore attacker Emma Johnson (8) watches. Samante and Johnson each scored one goal. (Stephanie Mikels Blevins photo)
The Rockbridge County High School girls lacrosse team coasted to a 23-0 victory over Franklin County in Lexington on Thursday.
Lola Mulitalo tallied eight points on four goals and four assists as the Wildcats improved to 3-2. Emma McKnight posted five goals, one assist and seven draw controls for RC. Ruby Goodhart recorded three goals and three assists, and Josie Caldwell finished with four goals and one helper.
The Wildcats were playing their first contest in 15 days, dating back to a March 26 win at Christiansburg. An already considerable break in the schedule was extended further when last Monday’s game at Virginia Episcopal School was canceled due to inclement weather.
Rather than show any signs of rust, RC burst out of the gates with energy and enthusiasm, sprinting out to a 12-0 lead by the end of the first quarter.
“The girls were very excited [to return to action], considering that we’ve been playing each other now for two weeks,” RC head coach Susan Nye said. “Their intensity and excitement is always great when you can actually play someone else – and we get to play on our home field, which is even better.”
Caldwell had all five of her points in the dominant opening frame, while Mulitalo scored three goals and assisted on three others as RC quickly took control. The Wildcats totaled three goals in the second period, three more in the third and five in the fourth en route to the lopsided victory.
Alyssa Hunter saved all four of the shots that she faced in goal for the ’Cats in earning the shutout. Mulitalo and Nadia Gaydos each collected three draws, while Mulitalo, Emily Humphreys and Elizabeth McCormick notched two caused turnovers apiece.
After the Wildcats’ big weapons got them going on the offensive end, RC shifted its focus to spreading the wealth. McCormick and Brianna Roberts each chipped in one goal and one assist, while Humphreys, Emma Johnson, Adrianna Grue, Alexis Samante and Maria Calomeris notched one marker apiece. All told, 11 different Wildcats scored in the game.
“We’ve been really trying to be a little bit more efficient on our offense and get ready, now that we’re starting district play,” Nye said. “It was kind of nice to be able to put kids in different positions, and let them start to feel more comfortable in a game situation.”
Lera Gibson secured five draw controls for the Eagles (1-4), and Olivia Tench added two draw controls and two caused turnovers.
RC held a huge advantage in most statistical categories, outshooting FC 28-4, winning the turnover battle 23-14 and holding a 22-13 edge in ground balls. The draw circle was much more competitive: the Wildcats held a slim 15-11 surplus overall, but the Eagles outdrew RC 7-3 after halftime.
The Wildcats were slated to play host to Hidden Valley on Monday. RC will then visit Cave Spring on Thursday, April 24, with the varsity game only at 6 p.m.
AS A pair of Franklin County defenders approach, RC senior attacker Josie Caldwell gets ready to shoot on FC goalie Taylor Kitts. Caldwell contributed four goals and one assist. (Stephanie Mikels Blevins photo)
