The Cicero-North Syracuse girls lacrosse squad were a bit fatigued following Monday’s Class A sectional final.
The Northstars slipped past West Genesee, but it required excessive amounts of energy to secure another sectional crown.
“We’re glad that we came away with (a title). We always tell each other that good teams find a way to win,” C-NS coach Stephanie Prentice said.
Things were a little more laid back in the Northstars’ practice on Tuesday. That practice, however, worked in the teams’ favor on Wednesday in the Class A regional semifinals.
Thirteen different players scored a goal in the Northstars’ 25-1 victory over Section VII’s Plattsburgh.
“This game was the next step,” Prentice said. “We always like (wins), especially when it gets us to the next level.”
Aside from practice, Tuesday was also a conversation about what didn’t work against the Wildcats on Monday.
Prentice noted that the Northstars, who’ve had a habit of being a second-half team this season, are looking to “play a complete game from the start.”
“The biggest focus and our biggest goal is to be all on the same page,” Prentice said. “Our defense was off a bit on Monday. We’re figuring it out as we continue (in the state tournament). It’s about doing what we can to be successful and so on and so forth.”
Sophia Nesci paced the Northstars with four goals, two assists, a forced turnover and three ground balls. Gabby Putman recorded three goals, 12 draw controls and a forced turnover.
Also for C-NS, Natalie Wilson provided three goals. Liz Smith and Miabella Gates each had two goals, while Viviana Beardsley chipped in three goals and an assist. Adelyn Esce finished with two goals and two assists, and Avery Rumble contributed a goal, an assist and five draw controls. Goalie Jillian Howell tallied two saves.
Prentice noted the Northstars are collectively driven and filled with intrinsic motivation.
“It’s something about they can dig deep and find a way to win games,” Prentice said. “They have a goal and do things that are needed to make it happen.”
C-NS, now 18-1 on the season, will face Section II’s Niskayuna in the Class A regional final at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Queensbury High School.
“We don’t know much about them, so (Saturday) should be interesting,” Prentice said.
