Conley, Hem set off Rockets attack

GIRLS LACROSSE

WELLESLEY — Already leading by two goals with 8:51 left in the first half of last night’s Division 1 state semifinal at Babson College, the Needham girls lacrosse team took its game to another level.

The Rockets closed the half on a big run to put the game out of reach and clinch a spot in the state championship match with an 18-8 win against Andover.

Needham (22-3) will face Longmeadow in the state title on Saturday at Boston University.

Sarah Conley led the way in scoring for the Rockets with seven goals, including three in a span of 2:12 late in the first half, which ended on a 7-1 outburst. Callie Hem added six goals for Needham as its top scoring duo simply overwhelmed the Golden Warriors.

“When we come out fast and come out hard, get the draw and start pushing it hard, it sets a very good tone for us,” coach Beth O’Brien said of the Rockets attack.

Needham seemingly had possession all night thanks to a dominant effort from Caroline Walsh at the faceoff dot. Walsh helped the Rockets win 17of-23 draws.

A hat trick by Jordan Torres wasn’t enough for Andover (18-7) to get back into the match.

Division 2

Cohasset 11, Newburyport 4 — It only took 35 seconds for Julia Placek and the Skippers (20-2) to take the lead for good on the Clippers (20-1) in the first state semifinal yesterday at Babson.

Placek’s opening goal, plus a combined nine more from the Hansen sisters, Elle and Jane, helped Cohasset clinch a spot in the state final on Saturday at BU against Walpole .

Elle Hansen led all scorers with five goals, while younger sister Jane had four scores. The Hansens did most of the damage with their speed in transition and attacked the Newburyport defense before it could get set.

“They look to each other. They rely on each other,” Skippers coach Kully Reardon said. “The team knows that and they help them do it.”

Molly Laliberty made 10 saves to keep the previously perfect Clippers in the game, but Cohasset dominated time of possession.

On the other end, Skippers goalie Jane Cavanaro backstopped an active defense that helped keep Newburyport out of scoring areas.

“It’s our zone,” Reardon said. “We’ve been doing it all year . . . and now it’s really gelling.”