Notre Dame (Hingham) extends win streak

HINGHAM — For the first time in a remarkably long time, Notre Dame Academy lacrosse looked in danger of taking a loss.

The Cougars are coming off back-to-back state titles and had won 34 consecutive matchups dating to the 2021-22 season as it prepared to host Wellesley on Tuesday. Two quick goals from Raiders midfielder Abby Beggans put this streak in jeopardy, but the Cougars rebounded quickly and scored seven of the next eight to take a 7-3 victory and claim a 35th straight win.

Beggans’ quick tallies came within the first six minutes of the game and Notre Dame had barely touched the ball. However, Cougars’ coach Meredith Frank McGinnis said that her team was playing the correct way and that it was poised to make a push.

“We expected to get scored on,” McGinnis said. “Even in those sets, we were doing things that we had discussed. Whether or not the goal was scored, I was very pleased about how they were operating as a unit and just continuing to do those things and be there for each other was the difference maker.

That would come after a lengthy possession that would end in a Siobhan Colin tally that cut the deficit to one. Seconds later, Caroline Haggerty made it 2-2 and that score would hold until the end of the first quarter.

NDA would start the second quarter with possession but a strong save from Raiders’ goaltender Bryce Lane would lead to another Beggans’ goal that made it 3-2. Still, the Cougars were not discouraged.

“We came together and were like ‘we’re fine,’” Cougars midfielder Emma Connerty said. “That’s where our momentum switched.”

Jane Hilsabeck would even it up at three moments later and Paige Foraste would give the Cougars a lead shortly before the half. Hilsabeck credited this momentum shift towards the team’s ability to instill confidence in each other.

“We’ve really focused on building each other up and being positive towards each other,” Hilsabeck said. “We’re meant to help each other and pick each other up on the field. That’s what really keeps us going.”

Taylor Watts and Caroline Haggerty notched goals in the third quarter before Connerty netted an extra insurance marker to really put the game away. Wellesley did have a few chances, but seven saves from Cougars goaltender Adair Routh ensured that no additional shots would hit the twine.

With the win streak still intact, the Cougars understand that the team will continue to have a target on its back. However, Routh confirmed that NDA is up for that challenge.

“The more that people want to beat us and mess up the streak, that makes us want to work harder,” Routh said.