Kids are alright for Franklin

The Franklin girls lacrosse team didn’t need to wait for its underclassmen to catch up with the rest of the team.

Instead, it’s the younger Panthers who are leading the way as the veterans try to keep pace.

Sophomore Annie Walsh along with freshmen Erin Walsh and Kelsey MacCallum accounted for a combined eight goals yesterday as Franklin rolled to its eighth straight win by defeating Andover, 11-6, at Pisini Field.

“The young kids are very skilled,” said Franklin coach Kristin Igoe. “They’re meshing well with our veteran leaders. The mix is awesome and everyone is doing a really good job so far.”

Franklin (8-0) held a 6-3 halftime advantage, but Andover (6-1) came out of the break with a spark. Just 17 seconds into the second half, the Golden Warriors found the back of the net with Lauren Najarian making a terrific pass to Darsie Peterson for a goal.

Franklin remained composed and responded with five consecutive goals while holding Andover scoreless for 24 minutes.

MacCallum (two goals) started the tear by answering Peterson’s tally with one of her own. Erin Walsh (two goals, two assists) and senior Kendall Reardon followed with goals to push the Panthers’ lead to 9-4 with 12:14 left.

On her way to a team-high four goals, Annie Walsh snuck through two defenders a few minutes later and found the back of the net to put an exclamation point on the win with 2:58 left.

“It gives them confidence and our whole team confidence,” said Igoe on the underclassmen’s high level of play. “Everyone is comfortable passing to everyone. It’s not just one star on the team. We have a bunch of different contributors.”

Franklin also relied on freshman goalie Gianna Cameron, who made eight saves. Despite allowing four goals by Andover’s Jordan Torres, Cameron made several big saves.

“We’re feeling really good and confident,” Igoe said. “It’s not perfect in any way, but I’m proud of how the girls have improved at the beginning of the season.” In other girls lacrosse yesterday: Callie Hem had five goals as Needham (5-3) beat North Andover, 14-7, in nonleague play. . . . Caitlin Chicoski sparked Wellesley (5-2) with five goals in a 13-6 win over Dover-Sherborn.

Boys lacrosse

Colin Bourne had five goals and Cullen Gallagher three more as Oliver Ames (4-3) beat Bellingham, 15-2.