McDowell continues Class 3A girls lacrosse run, Conneaut repeats in 2A
The McDowell girls lacrosse program has made a habit out of winning District 10 Class 3A championships. Meanwhile, the Conneaut girls might just be getting started in Class 2A.
The Trojans won their third consecutive D-10 Class 3A championship game on Friday night at the Hagerty Family Events Center. That stretch includes wins in 2019 and 2021. Prior to that, McDowell went uncontested in 3A for a number of years.
McDowell closed the game on a 5-1 run to defeat Fairview 12-9. The Tigers had led 6-5 at halftime and 8-7 in the second half.
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The Trojans knew coming in that their D-10 run was in jeopardy. McDowell held a 2-1 edge in the regular-season series.
"This whole season, we've had a whole lot of challenges," said Trojans junior Lexie Rich. "We've done this a lot of times this season. We remembered who we were, we got back on our feet and we rolled."
The Eagles claimed the 2A title for the second straight year, the first two D-10 championships for the program. Conneaut also added its first Region 1 championship in school history.
Rylee Jones, CASH's star senior, had three goals and four assists as the Eagles took a 16-4 victory over Villa Maria in the Class 2A game.
"I remember my freshman year, one person scored all the goals," she said. "By this year, we've built up to everybody scoring and being one big family."
McDowell overcomes halftime deficit
The Trojans trailed 6-5 at the break and faced their second two-goal deficit of the game before battling back.
McDowell pulled even at 7-7 before Fairview (5-9) grabbed its final lead at 8-7. Then, the Trojans (8-6) went on their decisive run.
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Lauren Hain led McDowell with four goals while Rich, Madi Brandt and Tillie Bischof contributed two goals apiece. Jenna Mergler and Alexa Panetta also had goals.
"It was hard fought," said Trojans senior Katelyn Hoffman. "I don't think it was given. Everybody gave 100 percent. We knew it wasn't going to be easy."
Brenna Cronin was Fairview's leading scorer with four goals. Julie Weindorf added three scores. Grace Goodelle and Caroline Zentis contributed one goal apiece.
The District 10 championship is surely a special one for Trojans coach Kate Hoffman, who has been able to lead her daughter and the other four seniors of McDowell's senior class.
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"It's been a pleasure to be able to coach with her and be on this journey with year," Coach Hoffman said. "I know not many parents are lucky enough to do this. I'm just as grateful to be part of the other seniors' journey."
Budding program at Conneaut
Last year, Conneaut was simply happy to make its first appearance in the state tournament. The Eagles played a stronger schedule in 2022 to prepare themselves for tougher roads ahead.
"We've done more preparation and we've played more Pittsburgh teams," Jones said. "Last year, we were kind of happy to go to the state tournament. We are looking forward to doing something in the state tournament and win some games."
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Sydney Phillips added four goals and one assist to the Conneaut effort. Jacqueline Detelich added three goals and three assists.
Victoria Medrick, the Eagles' second-leading scorer as a freshman, finished with three goals. Ashley Crabb, Jocelyn Denihan and Brianna Nader also had goals.
Senior goalie Nicole Hazen reflected on the accomplishments of Conneaut girls lacrosse over the past two seasons.
"It was a huge step for our program," she said. "We've worked hard."
With strong underclassmen on the way up, CASH will likely remain a force in the future.
"We've been able to fit in our younger players, which is nice, because it will bring us together in the future," said senior Sydney Phillips.
Conneaut coach Scott Shannon noted that his team had a little bit of adversity to overcome early in the year. The Eagles began the season 0-3 and 0-2 in region play. Since then, they are 11-2.
"We've done a lot of work with the younger girls, but we've had a lot of senior leadership," he said. "We know this is a nice window for us and girls stepped up. I'm really proud of them.
Contact Josh Reilly at jreilly@timesnews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ETNreilly.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: McDowell 3-peats, Conneaut repeats in District 10 girls lacrosse
