Worcester Preparatory School’s Varsity Girls’ Lacrosse team defeated the Polytech Panthers Monday 20-4. This victory was the eleventh of the season for the talented Lady Mallards.

Polytech gained the upper hand to start, with a rapid shot on goal blocked by freshman goalie Carolyn Dorey. Worcester Prep’s Alex Bruder carried the ball back to the offensive side, where her teammate and fellow junior Ragen Doyle scored the first goal of the game.  

The Lady Panthers responded in kind almost immediately, and the score soon reached a stalemated 2-2. However, after Worcester senior Katelin Talbert stole the ball from her opponent, the Mallards broke free and earned their third point.

Polytech successfully brought the ball to Worcester’s goal a number of times, challenging Dorey, but the Lady Mallards were able to regain the ball after blocked shots and missed passes.

Worcester Prep earned three more points before the Panthers were able to score again, and rapidly afterward sophomore Meg Lingo and junior Meredith Soule brought the count to 8-3. 

Again, the Mallards began to score in quick succession, working together to run and pass the ball up the field. Polytech’s goalie successfully blocked a number of attempts, but this didn’t prevent four more points, by Soule and sophomores Sophie Brennan and Lilly DiNardo, to be added to Worcester’s tally. 

Finally, in the last ten seconds of the first half, Polytech players stole the ball and scored their final goal.

The second half began with an intense struggle for the ball, in which Polytech emerged victorious. The Panthers scored illegitimately, after a foul had been called, and their next shot was blocked by Worcester’s second goalie, Sophomore Maddie Pilchard. 

Before 90 seconds had passed, Bruder scored Worcester’s 13th goal. 

A short back-and-forth followed, as both teams attempted unsuccessfully for a point, but Senior Mary Clare Regan broke the face off with a goal of her own. Several more followed, effectively energizing the Mallards and their fans. 

Polytech players were able to return the ball to the offensive side of the field, but the gap in points only grew wider. The last goal of the match was made by Soule within the final minute, bringing the score to an impressive 21-4.

Both teams have sustained an impressive record this season, with only one loss each. Worcester Coach Page Rogers called last week’s 12-13 defeat against Cape a “blessing in disguise,” hoping that her players would learn valuable strategy to employ during the “biggest game of our season” against Sts. Peter and Paul this week. 

Whatever happens, Worcester’s Lady Mallards are proud of the “great season” they have enjoyed during the past spring months. With the ESIAC championship fast approaching, the hardworking girls are moving forward with fresh determination and lofty goals.