SPORTS: Crusaders Squeak by Tigers
Lauren Kraemer, Liv Rubeski and Niki Wllkinson each scored a pair of goals to pace visiting Groton-Dunstable (4-1) to a 7-5 win over Littleton (3-1) in non-league lacrosse action.
"I'm happy with the win but not pleased with the way we played," commented GD varsity coach Gary Kraemer whose team was outshot 22-20.
Littleton dominated play early taking a 1-0 lead four minutes into the game, but Liv Rubeski evened the score in the 19th minute on a free possession shot. The Crusaders had their moments where they looked imposing but the Tigers seemed determined to take it to GD and for a program, starting only their fourth season of lax, they impressed.
Niki Wilkinson gave GD a 2-1 lead at 12:34 with the helper from Sara Walsh and Livy Penney.
Rubeski's second goal with 6:24 remaining in the half gave the Crusaders a two goal advantage. The Tigers had three shots on goal and five just off goal in the half but, despite controlling play, trailed 3-1 at the break.
Littleton came out with the same intensity they showed in the opening half, scoring with less than two minutes played and trailed 3-2. GD answered with strikes from Penney, Wilkinson (Ordemann) and an absolute bullet by Kraemer from eight meters out.
But Littleton showed their mettle behind two goals from Alana Maher in less than a minute to close the GD lead to 6-4. The goalies, Nicole Patterson and Crusader keeper Maria Antonellis made big saves at crunch time including Antonellis' huge stop of a free possession shot .
Amanda Gory's goal at 8:01 closed the GD lead to 6-5 and the Tigers kept the pressure on, hitting the post on successive plays. With 3:58 left, Lauren Kraemer finished from in front giving the Crusaders a two goal lead and some breathing room.
"I am so proud of my team," said Littleton coach Nick Fulvi. "They played such a strong game, in particular, Alana Maher and Nicole Patterson in goal."
"We knew they (Littleton) would be tough and unfortunately we did not execute the way we can," said Kraemer. "But the girls played with heart and, despite not playing our best, we won. I guess that is the sign of a good team, when you don't play as well as you are capable but manage to get a win."
