No. 9 Century girls lacrosse proves to be ready for playoff run with 13-6 win over Towson in regular-season finale
It’s no secret that the key to beating a team is taking away what they are known to do well. What separates the good from the great is when a team can pivot, grind through a tough stretch and find a different way to win a game.
Battle-tested as ever after a tough regular season that saw her team face four teams that played in a state championship game last season, Century coach Becky Groves saw one last encouraging sign in Friday night’s 13-6 win against Towson.
“Our attack really stepped up today,” Groves said. “But you’ve got to stick it out, it was one of those games where we had to grind it out to the end.”
With Towson’s Finlay Harmon giving the Knights a bit of a hard time with her three first-half goals, the Century attack, led by Delaney Sandbank responded.
“We had some tough challenges in the beginning of the game being able to fight for the draw controls,” Sandbank, who finished with four goals and an assist, said. “We had other players step up in key moments and come together to get this win.”
Along with Sandbank, five other Knights found the back of the net as the Knights seemed to overwhelm and break down the Generals as the game wore on. From there, the Century defense settled in.
“We were able to keep our composure on the draw even if we weren’t winning,” Madi Prietz said. “Coming up big on defense when we needed to and clearing the ball, I think that was really big for us.”
Prietz, who scored her lone goal during a dominant Century second half, is one of the players Groves trusts the most heading into critical moments and tense playoff situations.
“She helps out in the clear; she leads us on defense.” Groves said. “Madi may not score 10 goals a game, but she’s always doing the little things that people don’t notice, but coaches do”
With Prietz leading the defense, Sandbank leading the attack and others like Harli Hamlett and Natalie Opatovsky being constant threats to score, the Knights seem to have the pieces to put together a deep run in what will be one of the more competitive regions in the state.
“Our teamwork is really big,” Sandbank said. “We’re loud for each other and we work really well with one another. That’s going to get us far.”
Century 13, Towson 6
Goals: C — Delaney Sandbank (4), Natalie Opatovsky (3), Marley Carfine (3), Hannah Baglin, Madi Prietz, Harli Hamlet ; T — Finlay Harnmon (4), Lily Franklin, Madden Sysantos. Assists: C — Hannah Baglin, Delaney Sandbank ; T — Lilywinn Holman (2), Chloe Gibson