Mariners Fall Short in Home Opener against the Bulldogs
ROCKY HILL – 7, WESTERLY HS – 11
The Mariners’ girls’ lacrosse team put up an incredible fight yesterday but fell short against the Westerly Bulldogs in their season home opener for the RIIL.
It was a gritty battle at the Hill from the opening whistle. The Mariners dominated on the draw and ground balls, thanks to Maddie Ruzzo ’26 (West Greenwich, RI) and the team captains, Francesca McCaughy ’23 (East Greenwich, RI), Katie Kerachsky ’23 (East Greenwich, RI), and Hadley Wheeler ’24 (Saunderstown, RI). Captain Francesca McCaughy, led the game with most ground balls won.
The Bulldogs were the most physical team that the Mariners have played to date, muscling off to a quick lead early and using long ball clears to capitalize on the speed of their attack. Caroline Moonan ’23 (Cranston, RI), Clara Rozen ’24 (East Greenwich, RI), Tapiwa Gukutu ’25 (North Kingstown, RI), Katie O’Neil ’25 (Warwick, RI), Deliliah Tully ’26 (Warwick, RI), Alexa Laurent ’26 (North Kingstown, RI) and Sayuri Lakhar ’26 (East Greenwich, RI) communicated together and put in a strong effort defensively. The versatility of Bella Macari ’26 (Warwick, RI) was highlighted once again in the adjustments on defense, help to stave off the Bulldogs attack. While the Mariners held their own on time of possession and worked their offensive sets, unfortunately, they were only able to score 1 goal from 10 shots on net in the first half. Kudos go out to the Bulldogs’ goalie for coming up with some big saves.
With an 8-1 deficit at half-time the Mariners’ captains rallied the team. Playing through hand injury from a wicked shot in the first, Ariana Hernandez ’25 (Cranston, RI) continued in net, making several crucial saves in the second half to help the Mariners claw back into the game. Captain Katie Kerachsky led the captains’ call with 4 goals, including a buzzer beater at the end of the game. Captain Hadley Wheeler dominated both in the midfield and defensively, but also contributed offensively with a goal of her own. Captain Francesca McCaughy and Mackenzie Carney ’24 (East Greenwich, RI) rounded out the effort with a goal apiece. Elizabeth Howard ’24 (Saunderstown, RI) continued to move fluidly between offense and defense to help facilitate ball movement, possession, and the offensive attack.
While the second half effort fell just short of climbing out of the hole, the awesome display of RESILIENCY, EFFORT, and Mariner PRIDE was a 6-3 victory in the second half, sending a strong message to the Bulldogs that the Mariners do not roll over for anyone. Rest assured, we will see the Bulldogs again this season and potentially in post season play, and the Mariners relish the opportunity.
The Mariners look to turn things around and get the dub on Wednesday, April 5, in what promises to be another exciting game against St. Mary’s Bayview at 4 pm.