Trying to clamp down on Albemarle girls lacrosse’s offense with top scorers like Morgan Rose and Jennifer Wendelken can be a difficult task.
There are just too many threats.
“I think everyone on this team is a major threat,” said Albemarle freshman Kelsey Myers. “Yes, Jenn and Morgan are the major players and everybody knows them and is going to guard them which is going to make opportunities for everybody else that can shoot.”
Myers was the beneficiary of those open looks Wednesday, pouring in five goals against Covenant en route to an 18-8 victory for the Patriots.
The Patriots jumped out to an 8-0 lead to start the game, a product of a particular focus that Albemarle has paid to getting going early.
“We have talked a lot about getting on the board first, getting the draw control and kind of taking charge from the get-go,” said Albemarle coach Lauren Thraves.
Those kind of starts are a big help for the Patriots as it allows them to control the pace of the game.
“It helps a lot because it lets us settle and cut off ball and take our time,” Myers said.
Covenant refused to go away though, putting together a solid second half surge after Albemarle built an 11-2 lead before the break.
“Their intensity in that second half was incredible,” said Covenant coach Brittany Vogt. “They did amazing.”
Lizzy Shim led the Eagles’ offense with three goals while Wynston Archer and Mysn Whitten scored two goals each. Liz Llera rounded out the offense with one goal.
The Patriots managed to hold the Eagles at bay though after Covenant closed the gap to 11-6, ending the game on a 7-2 run. Wendelken finished with four goals while Rose finished with two. Beyond that, Albemarle spread the scoring throughout the lineup, with Angie Chapman, Anna Murray, Anastaysia Goddard, Cameron Tarbell, Cameron Edson, Sarah Hanssen and Lindsey Earles each notching a goal.
The Patriots, as a team, held a 20-8 advantage on the draw.
Covenant will take on St. Gertrude Tuesday night for senior night while the Patriots face Monticello the same night.
