Stonington girls’ lacrosse edges Waterford 6-5 in overtime

Stonington 6 Waterford 5

Stonington — A quick glance into the circumstances would suggest no real reason for Stonington High School's celebration early Saturday afternoon, other than finally ending the game, thus allowing all parties to seek warmer climate.

Fact: The season, two games old, has barely cleared its throat.

Fact: The Bears defeated Waterford three times last season, so what's another victory over the Lancers during the first week of the season?

Ah, but the grin on Kate Johnson's face told otherwise.

"We, as a team, look at the name: Waterford," Johnson said, moments after scoring the game-winner in overtime, lifting the Bears to a 6-5 win.

"It's a really big rivalry," said Johnson, a senior, who sent the Bears home happy, scoring with 57.7 remaining. "We know they have some studs over there. I play basketball, too. Waterford has an awesome school with awesome teams."

The game, however, didn't count in the league standings. Eastern Connecticut Conference lacrosse teams (both boys and girls) opted to have just one regular-season meeting count in the division this year, so this matchup was actually just an appetizer.

The ECC-mandated game on May 10 between the two rivals in Waterford is the game that will count and likely determine the Division II regular-season champion.

"We knew it's early in the season, but it kind of sets the whole tone," Stonington's Kate Reagan said. "It was a little sloppy. Our games are always close. It's such a great match."

Waterford junior Olivia Gianakos sent the game to overtime with 59.9 seconds left in regulation. Once in overtime, Johnson's goal not only gave the Bears (3-0) what others called a "tone setter" for the season.

"I saw an opening," Johnson said. "Maybe their defense got a little confused."

Reagan and Hannah Lamb scored two goals apiece for the Bears, both giving their team the lead in the second half. Reagan's second goal snapped a 3-3 tie and Lamb's second, with 6:33 remaining, gave the Bears a 5-4 lead.

Catherine Cassata also scored for Stonington.

Meghan Foley scored twice for Waterford (1-1), while Gianakos, Kaylee Swansen and Stetson-bound senior Jacklyn Lavoie also scored for the Lancers.

"The kids played amazing," Waterford coach Audrey Montanaro said. "You always come in knowing every game with Stonington is a battle. So evenly matched. Every year, the games look like this. We know we almost had them."