Streaks score early, often on Colonie
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N. Y. » Ten different players scored for Saratoga Springs to lead them to a strong 18-5 Class AA quarterfinal victory over Colonie Friday.
Saratoga Springs coach Elaine Anton-Lotruglio said the Blue Streaks were able to score in bunches because they played their game.
“A lot of the girls said they wanted to take the game back and just wanted to play,” Lotruglio said. “They just wanted to play and not rely on plays so much. I told them they could do that because they play great together. I told them to take the game back and make things happen on offense on your own. That’s really a product of that. I think our last two games
have really been a product of us feeding off each other’s skills and strengths.”
Letting the players take ownership was huge for Saratoga Springs in this match up, putting them ahead with an early lead.
The Blue Streaks scored early and often for a 10-point halftime lead.
Emily Fischer played goalie in the first half, earning five saves and allowing four goals before Peyton Yourch took over for the second half.
Katie Wendell, the team’s leading scorer in the game with three goals was happy with her squads performance.
“Coming into sectionals we really wanted to start off strong and get on the score board early and often,” Wendell said. “It was something we wanted to focus on and it was something we talked about, one of our team goals. I think it was a Saratoga Springs coach Elaine Anton-Lotruglio crouches on the sideline while giving her team directions during the team’s 18-5 quarterfinal win over Colonie on Friday. good start and good to get an early lead to show our opponents what we have.”
In the second half, Saratoga Springs shut down Colonie, rarely allowing them to enter their zone, giving up just one score.
Lotruglio said the decision to let the players take over the contest was a key Friday.
“I think we just need to keep playing our game,” Lotruglio said. “I think we did that today to a certain extent and we want to keep playing what we call Saratoga lacrosse. We have to be persistent and play a good solid game.”
Several player had strong games for the Blue Streaks with Wendell adding two assists and Francesca Mangino with two goals and one assist, Lauren Duffy dropped in two goals with Sophia Burke hitting two into the back of the net and leading the team in assists with four. Elizabeth McGinn added two goals in the win.
Wendell said the opening round victory was important.
“We are really happy to get this win,” Wendell said. “We are ready for the rest of the section and I know that this one gets us ready on our way to section finals because that’s what we want and we are ready to get started.”
Lotruglio said Friday was a step forward for the Blue Streaks.
“It certainly is nice to move past where we were last year,” Lotruglio said. “Last year we just made it into the first round, so we are really excited to be able to go on and continue our season and continue playing.”
There will be celebrating on Friday, but back to work for the Blue Streaks this weekend.
“We definitely need to clean up ground balls, making completed passes and good feeds inside the eight meter,” Lotruglio said. “We just have to be precise and accurate. I just tell them they need to go out and play their best game and play Saratoga lacrosse.”