Girls’ Lax Dominates Opponents, Extend 14 Game Winning Streak

Last Saturday, the girls’ varsity lacrosse team played away against Tabor Academy. Big Red worked hard, dominating their opponents, and coming out on top with a final score of 12-6. This victory extends the team’s winning streak to 14 games, and raises their record to 14-0.

One of the biggest challenges for Exeter towards the beginning of the game was adjusting to the grass fields. Lower Anna Reaman explained this obstacle, saying, “Tabor plays on a grass field, and we are used to playing on turf. This change in field type was hard for us, especially for ground balls.” The team carried on, despite this initial setback, and progressively improved throughout the game.

The team was also missing a few of their starting players for the game. Lower Lauren Arkell commented on this setback. “We did a good job of filling in the spots of some of the players that normally have a big role in the game, but weren’t able to play Saturday, like Bella and Kelsey,” Arkell said. Exeter’s ability to perform without their starting players demonstrates their strong overall depth.

"I think that focus and composure is something we practice regularly, and we were able to capitalize on that ability that we’ve developed.”

Despite having a stagnant start, the team managed to maintain a high shooting percentage. “There were very few shots where the goalie made the save, or we shot wide. This was crucial especially since it was very close throughout the entire game,” Reaman said.

As the game went on, Exeter was able to pick up more ground balls and keep steady possession for longer periods of time. Big Red demonstrated their “play for the full 50 minutes” mentality in the final minute, and scored three goals in the last 24 seconds. This highlight shows Big Red’s persistence and relentlessness on the field.

Defensively the team shut down Tabor’s offense. “Allegra kept us in the game with her incredible saves,” Reaman said. In one instance Tabor scored a goal, but the referee called it back. Allegra did an amazing job saving the free positions that followed.

Exeter’s triumph over Tabor’s physicality served as a testament to their mental toughness as well. Lower Michaella McCarthy elaborated on these intangibles saying, “Tabor’s physical aggression required us to maintain mental focus solely on the game. I think that focus and composure is something we practice regularly, and we were able to capitalize on that ability that we’ve developed,” McCarthy said.

Next Saturday the team will play at home against Deerfield Academy. Exeter hopes to get another victory and extend their winning streak to 15 games.