With Manchester Valley girls lacrosse eager to avenge last season’s loss in the state semifinals, their revenge tour was briefly put on hold as weather delayed the start of the game.
Once the Mavericks finally took the field, they wasted no time, taking the lead just 14 seconds into the game and cruising to a dominant 19-1 win over C. Milton Wright on Friday night.
Manchester Valley (18-0) clinched a spot in the Class 2A state final, where they will face Glenelg, an 18-7 winner over Kent Island.
“We came out ready for anything that was thrown at us,” Mavericks senior Lindsay McCroy. “It was a great day for all of us, great communication, and on offense, we moved the ball quickly.”
After Haylee Bittinger won the opening draw, she fed the ball to Taylor Fique, who found Addison Meyer for the game’s first goal. The Mavericks’ offense operated with methodical precision, moving with purpose on every possession. Each pass had intent, and every player was active, constantly looking for an opportunity to strike.
“We knew going into this game that the weather didn’t matter. We still had to lock in,” Meyer said. “What makes us dangerous is the way we connect with each other. We’re constantly communicating and constantly learning.”
Meyer scored five goals and was one of nine Mavericks to find the back of the net. As the lead ballooned and the running clock was triggered before the end of the first quarter, the entire Manchester Valley sideline stayed loud and engaged. After every score, all 24 players celebrated with hugs, high-fives, and cheers.
“The love these girls have for each other is something I haven’t seen in a long time,” coach Shelly Brezecki said. “It’s incredible to watch how much they care for one another.”
The Mavericks quickly strongarm their opponents into a “pick your poison” scenario as each player can strike at a moment’s notice. When it wasn’t Meyer, it was Emma Penczek, who fought through face-guarding defense to finish with a hat trick and three assists. Taylor Fique also made her mark, scoring four goals.
Perhaps most impressive, though, was the Mavericks’ defense. While the offense grabbed the spotlight, the impressive unit sealed the win. C. Milton Wright struggled to generate any scoring chances, overwhelmed by Manchester Valley’s relentless pressure.
Led by McCroy, the Mavericks’ defensive unit featuring Maya Trump and Molly Pulliam shut down the Mustangs from start to finish.
“Defense is an attitude,” Brezecki said. “We play as a unit, so it’s easier for them to take chances because they know that no matter what, someone’s going to have their back.”
Up next for Manchester Valley: a shot at revenge, perfection, and most importantly, a state championship. The Gladiators — who defeated the Mavericks in last year’s semifinal — stand in their way.
Meyer, Brezecki, and the rest of the team haven’t forgotten that game, but their focus remains forward and the gameplan remains simple.
“We just have to stay disciplined,” Brezecki said. “We’ve been working hard at this since March 1. We’ll be ready to go.”
Class 2A State semifinal: Manchester Valley 19, C. Milton Wright 1
GOALS: MV— Addison Meyer (6), Taylor Fique (4), Emma Penczek (3), Emelyn Scott (2), Allie Largent (1), Taylor Bailey (1), Riley Fischer (1), Haylee Bittinger (1), Carolyn Lowe (1); CMW — Lena Rockhill (1)
ASSISTS: MV — Penczek (3), Fique (1), Meyer (1)
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