Girls’ Lax Comes Out Ahead in Overtime Thriller

Exeter girls’ lacrosse fought hard for a win against Northfield Mount Hermon School on Saturday. It was a game of intensity, as each team went on goal-scoring streaks of three or more points three different times. Finally, Big Red pulled through in overtime, winning 12-9. The team is now 4-1 on the season and riding a four game winning streak.Exeter held a 4-1 lead late into the first half. The team got the shot attempts to be able to run away with it early, shooting 14 shots in the first half, but only converted on 4. NMH stole two quick goals just before halftime, and came out of the half and scored two more. During NMH’s quick turnaround the whole team briefly lost focus, which NMH capitalized on. “Our team knows that sometimes we tend to lose our momentum and a few minutes can really cost us the game, so we are always cognizant of that,” lower Noa Siegel said.After NMH’s comeback, the defense knew they needed to step up. “We pulled the defense together and talked about what we did wrong and how we could fix it. We try to do this after every goal is scored on us, but it's especially important to get together and talk if the other team has momentum,” upper captain Marley Jenkins said.Then, Exeter turned it around and picked up the scoring themselves. From that point on, it was back and forth the rest of the game. Senior captain Leo Liautaud produced some clutch goals to keep Big Red in the game. “Leo’s composure at the end kept us in the game and then sealed our win,” Jenkins said. Lower Bronwyn Shields also had some exciting goals that pumped the team up. At the end of regulation, it was all knotted up at 9-9.Before the start of overtime, Coach Christina Breen took it upon herself to fire up the team. “Breen got us pumped and a little angry, too. We went out for overtime and took total control,” prep Emily Ryan said.Big Red saved its best for the overtime period. Exeter scored three quick goals and was able to win draw controls and keep position the rest of the way.The win was a complete team effort. With key goals from Shields, Liautaud and Ryan and tireless play from Jacie Lemos, Hannah Wellington and Elsa Chinburg in the midfield, the team secured the win.This was a game where the team had to grow up a little bit. The mental lapses that led to goals for the other team and momentum swings can be killer. The girls, however, bounced back and were able to get the win regardless. But 100% focus 100% of the time will be the focal point going forward.The team is off to its best start since 2010, and the athletes’ confidence is booming. “We've definitely come a long way as a team. We feel confident going forward. These next few games are going to be our toughest but I think we are very prepared. Beating teams that we have lost to in the past has really put us into a healthy, confident, determined mindset,” Siegel said.The girls are making the trip to Noble & Greenough School this Saturday. Noble & Greenough has been competitive this year, but with momentum on their side, Big Red girls’ lacrosse will be tough to stop.