Raiders win for fallen teammate
JACKSON TWP — It's a new season and there are a few new faces, but the result was a familiar one.
The Seneca Valley girls lacrosse team received goals from seven different players in an 11-7 season-opening win over Hampton Friday night.
A moment of silence was observed before the game in honor of senior attacker Shannon Quail, who died following an automobile accident Jan. 18.
"It was extremely emotional for the girls out there tonight," said Seneca Valley coach Dina Hughes. "They played their hearts out. They played for Shannon."
Leading 9-4 at halftime, Seneca Valley's defense didn't allow the Talbots a second-half goal until just under 14 minutes remained, making the score 10-5.
The Raiders (1-0) answered with Megan Powell's second goal of the game at 12:20 before Hampton added two late goals inside of five minutes to close the scoring.
Along with Powell, Nicole Roche, Corissa Culichia and Taylor Mayeda also had a pair of goals in the victory.
Ally Zezinka, Maresa Novakovich and Morgan Midkiff also scored for the Raiders.
Roche had three assists.
"We have been working very hard in practice," Hughes said. "Everything came together tonight."
Sophomore goalkeeper Lauren Moran came up with seven saves in her first varsity start.
"I think this game will help her confidence," Hughes said.
The Raiders opened a 3-1 lead in the first 10 minutes of the game before the Talbots (0-1) tied the score with goals by Danielle Deems and Sarah Newby that came just 43 seconds apart.
"I thought our communication and transition was better than it was last year," said Hampton coach Heather Dietz. "Obviously, our ball skills weren't where they need to be."
Seneca Valley not only broke the 3-all tie, the Raiders scored six of the next seven goals before intermission, including Mayeda's two tallies.
Senior attacker Danielle Deems netted four of Hampton's seven goals.
"She was our third-leading scorer last year and our top two girls graduated," said Dietz. "When she takes the shot, good things usually happen for us."
SV will host Knoch on Tuesday.
