Crusaders Impressive in Win

Groton-Dunstable senior Nicki Wilkinson led the offense barrage scoring four goals and an assist to power the Crusaders to a 16-2 drubbing of visiting Littleton (3-2) in a league cross-over girls lacrosse game.

In fairness, the Tigers were missing five starters but the Crusaders (3-1) are deep with often five, six or more players figuring in the scoring, and I am not sure it would have made a difference.

With 13:50 remaining in the first half, G-D had built a 6-0 advantage on goals from Katie Royal (2), Wilkinson (2) and freshman Ellie Eisenklam (2). Royal's second goal came from a nice pass from playmaker Sara Walsh who seems to see the field very well. Poor Tiger goalie Mollie Legenza (23 saves) must have wondered if she should have been one of the missing.

Amanda Crory stopped the G-D run, notching a score but G-D keeper Maria Antonellis had made all the stops prior to the goal. "She (Antonellis) has been amazing for us," said Crusaders coach Sarah Valacer. "In a recent loss against Algonquin, she gave us a chance to win, making some incredible stops."

A pair of goals by Sara Walsh pushed the lead to 8-1 before Amanda Crory scored again, picking off a rebound from an Antonellis save and whipping it in the back of the net.

G-D went to the break ahead 10-2 with only the final score in doubt.

Notable for G-D was the constant movement through the Littleton crease by Wilkinson, Walsh Royal and other girls looking to create scoring opportunities. "We have a lot of girls who can finish. They played together a lot this winter," shared Valacer.

Antonellis made eight saves while Littleton keeper Legenza had nine. "The girls were very strong on ground balls and Maria made key saves," said Valacer.