This past Wednesday, in a high-energy matchup filled with physical play, defense, and big-time saves, Manual’s junior varsity girls’ lacrosse took care of business with a 5-2 win over the Assumption Rockets.
First Quarter:
The game opened with Grace Yates (#23, 10) taking the draw, and while the ball was heavily contested early, it was Kaitlyn Dugan (#14, 11) who secured possession, setting up a fast offensive strike. Just under a minute in, Baya Friedman (#49, 10) put the Lady Crimsons on the board with a quick shot.
Assumption responded with pressure, but goalie Bri Pumphrey (#8, 10) came up huge with her first of several key eight-meter saves. The Manual offense, led by strong teamwork between Friedman and Yates, kept the ball moving, while both teams fought hard in ground ball plays. Though Friedman tried to push through for another score, the Rockets’ defense stood tall.
Manual had some trouble with ball control but made up for it with solid defensive stands. Grace Yates stole the ball off an Assumption mistake and converted it into a goal, giving Manual a 2-0 edge. Sophie Habeeb (#10, 10) added to the team’s energy, pushing into the arc before being stick-checked.
Second Quarter:
The start of the second quarter saw Noa Weiss (#54, 11) take over draw duties. After a slow start, she settled in, and a dropped ball by the Rockets led to another Manual possession. Yates grabbed it and drove it straight into scoring territory. Assumption responded with another eight-meter shot, but Pumphrey was able to save the ball. A quick clear to Friedman led to a successful fast break and a 3-0 lead.
Manual’s defense continued to show out, and Dugan added to the scoreboard intense play of the ball moving up and down the field. Despite a couple of missed chances and miscommunications on cuts, Manual controlled the tempo heading into halftime with a lead of 4-0.
Third Quarter:
Weiss won the draw again to start the third quarter, and while Manual was able to move into scoring position early, the goal was missed. Abigail Seow (#56, 10) had a chance to score on an eight-meter shot, but the ball was blocked by the Rockets’ defense. After a timeout, Assumption came out with new energy and finally found the back of the net, putting the score 4-1.
Assumption kept applying pressure, forcing Manual to play more on the defensive end, but Pumphrey came up with more saves, keeping the Lady Crimsons in control. Eventually, Manual’s offense answered back as Seow fired one in off a transition, putting Manual up 5-1.
As both teams lost some momentum heading into the fourth, the mood on the field shifted. Coaches and Teammates kept the energy up with encouragement and focus.
Fourth Quarter:
Assumption won the draw to start, but couldn’t get past Habeeb’s defensive stop. Unfortunately, the ball made its way down to Pumphrey’s crease. Once again, though, she came through with a clutch save. A clear to Friedman sparked a long possession, where Manual worked the ball around patiently.
Assumption broke through for a second goal, cutting Manual’s lead 5-2. Manual had another chance to score off a foul and an eight-meter opportunity, with Seow assisting Iris Apple (#9, 11) for a shot that just missed.
As time wound down, tensions rose, but Manual kept its composure, closing out a hard-earned 5-2 win.
“I always go by those who work the hardest are the last to surrender… my team showed that they were willing to work hard to beat Assumption,” coach Derise Cox said.
Their next game will be against Center Grove on Saturday at Center Grove High School at 9 a.m.
