Sports
Tigers, Rebels fall to Falcons
May 1, 2008

by Margaret O’Leary

The Joel Barlow High girls lacrosse team met the challenge of its tough schedule last week. Playing three games in as many days against several staunch opponents, the Falcons rose to the occasion and put an end to their short losing streak.

Despite losing a 20-17 decision to Brookfield last Tuesday, April 22, the Falcons held their own against the Bobcats. The game was a hard-fought battle until the very end, when the Bobcats finally pulled just out of the Falcons’ reach. Yet, Barlow never gave up and played hard until the last whistle sounded.

Junior center Emma Kelly led the Falcon offense with an impressive tally of eight goals and one assist. Sophomore attack wing Kim Sniffen followed, scoring four goals and two assists. Junior home Hayley Murphy finished with two goals and two assists, while sophomore attack wing Alex Cammarota netted two goals. Senior captain Rachel Greene and junior Leah Zilich rounded out the scoring with one goal and one assist respectively.  

The following day Barlow met its longtime rival Ridgefield in Tiger Hollow Stadium for what proved to be a heated match-up. This contest was also a battle, but this time the outcome was a little bit more favorable for the Falcons, who edged out the Tigers to secure a 10-9 win.

Barlow’s teamwork both on the offensive and defensive ends helped pull out the win. On the defensive end, the Falcons were led by goalkeeper Jen Caruso, who made 17 saves to hold off the Tigers. Caruso was also supported by her defensive line, consisting of senior captains Brenna Regan and Clare Dean and freshman Claire McLaughlin, who stopped several of the Tigers’ powerful offensive drives.

On offense, Barlow was led by Kelly and Murphy, who scored three and two goals respectively. Murphy also tallied two assists. Cammarota also scored two goals, while Greene, Sniffen, and freshman Lexi Churchill netted one goal apiece. Also, Greene, Sniffen, and Zilich each finished with one assist.

Barlow kept its new winning streak going in its game against New Fairfield on Thursday. The Falcons routed the Rebels in an 18-6 victory.

The Falcons grabbed control of the game right from the start and held possession of the ball for most of the game. A combination of good offense and defense on Barlow’s part did not allow New Fairfield many scoring opportunities. When the Rebels did get the ball into Falcon territory, they were usually stymied by the defensive line. In the net, Caruso made seven saves for Barlow.

On offense, Kelly again proved to be the Falcons’ top scorer with a total of six goals. Greene followed with five goals, while Sniffen finished with three, and Murphy scored one. In addition, Murphy again led Barlow in assists, totaling three, while Kelly had one.

The Falcons will try to keep up their winning ways when they face Pomperaug on Friday and visit Masuk on Monday.

© Copyright 2008 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers