By Kris Cyr — Lacrosse Contributor
After a slow start in March thanks to chilly temps and snow-covered fields, the Concord-Carlisle High School girls lacrosse season is now well underway.
This year’s program boasts high participation, with 48 players across the varsity and junior varsity teams.
The varsity team graduated five seniors in 2023 and gained five ninth-grade players this spring. Senior Captains Anna Crowley and Willow Cyr lead the team.
“The team has already grown so much and shown adaptability and depth,” Crowley says. “We are super excited to continue to learn and develop and see where this can take us.”
The varsity Patriots record currently stands at two wins and three losses:
CC faced Wellesley for its April 6 season opener, and the opposition came out strong, dominating possession from the get-go. CC battled from behind, cutting the goal deficit to 2 in the third quarter, but couldn’t hold on and fell 6-13 in the final. Highlights included Senior Grace Grogins’ standout performance in goal and the return of Junior Teagan Morrissey, who was as strong as ever after an ACL tear last season.
For its home opener vs. Cambridge Rindge & Latin, CC had a solid start and quickly racked up a formidable lead. This allowed Coach Erin Cash the opportunity to give quality field time to all varsity players across a variety of positions. CC won 18-3 with too many goal-scorers to note. A highlight of the game was the play of senior Alex Cardoos, who selflessly returned to CC Lacrosse after a few years’ absence to serve as reserve goalie.
The Natick game on Friday, April 19 kicked off a three-game vacation weekend series, and CC prevailed 8-7.
Junior Karleigh Mutch dominated the draw and led the team’s attack. Sophomore Sarah Fortier showed flexibility in playing both defense and midfield, while sophomore Hannah Feloney chipped in a clutch goal.
CC traveled to North Andover on April 20 for Game Two of the series. North Andover scored three quick goals in a row. CC settled in and dug out of the hole to a 6-3 lead, closing the first half at 7-5 and ultimately falling 9-12 at the final whistle. Senior Charlotte Skelly led with four goals, and junior Alissa Bono had several pivotal ground balls and transitions through the midfield.
The Patriots traveled to Longmeadow’s natural grass field on April 21 for Game 3 of the series. The match was a great back-and-forth contest: CC closed the first half up by 1, rounded out the third quarter tied at 7, but lost steam in the end, falling 9-11.
Senior Captain Willow Cyr contributed three goals, senior Lydia Karle had two goals and ninth-graders Aubrey Monaghan and Lindsay Cain chipped in one each. Hadley Swenson played tough defense, containing Longmeadow’s top scorers.
The JV team, led by Captains Addy Healy, Alana Martin, and Lauren Carey, has had two highly competitive contests to date.
Coming up: The CC-Harlem Lacrosse “Stick Together” event on Saturday April 27 at CC’s Memorial Stadium. Boys varsity players take on Newburyport at 11 a.m. and girls play Brookline at 1 p.m.
In addition to lacrosse instruction, Harlem Lacrosse, founded by now-state Rep. Simon Cataldo (D-Concord), also provides academic support, mentoring, and leadership, college readiness, and career prep.
In support of a gear drive, gently used lacrosse equipment and athletic wear will be collected at CCHS on Saturday. The suggested donation is $10 for adults and $5 for students… and in addition to the lacrosse action on the field, expect an appearance by the Chicken On the Road food truck.
