By Lesley Graham
The Ocean City High School girls’ lacrosse team defeated the Egg Harbor Township Eagles, 20-6, Friday evening at Carey Stadium.
The 19th ranked Red Raiders improved to 6-1 (2-0 in conference play), while EHT dropped to 4-3 overall (2-1 conference).
Ocean City Senior Danielle Donoghue contributed five goals and two assists while teammate Emily DiMarino added six goals and one assist.
During the open half of play, Ocean City started strong, amassing a 7-2 lead with under 10 minutes to play. EHT called a timeout and used the break to adjust its game plan. Coming out with a new-found fire, the Eagles scored the final three goals of the half to cut the lead to 7-5.
Ocean City found its groove in the second half, finding the back of the net just 20 seconds into the period.
On the ensuing possession, after a quick shot by Ocean City and a save by the goalie, the Red Raiders intercepted the clear and put the ball in the back of the goal to grab an 8-5 advantage.
Dominating the draw control in the second half, Ocean City rattled off the next 11 goals before the Eagles were able to put another one on the scoreboard.
EHT chipped in one goal with seven minutes to play, but the lead was insurmountable as Ocean City would go on to win 20-6.
Ocean City Head Coach Alyssa Morrison was proud of the turnaround effort the team showed in the second half.
“We tend to play to the level of our opponent and so we got off to a slow start, underestimating EHT, who came out with a fire to play,” Morrison said.
Luckily for the Red Raiders, they were able to kick it into gear and finish out the second half strong.
“I was impressed tonight with the play of Reese Bloomstead and Molly Reardon back on defense and Danielle Donoghue on the draw,” Morrison said.
“Donoghue is one of the top drawers in South Jersey and I was happy to see her light it up on the circle,” she added.
Donoghue, a senior who is taking her lacrosse talents to Mount Saint Mary’s University next fall, is excited for her final season with the Red Raiders.
“I’m really looking forward to coming together with this team, working together to have the same goals and winning games before I head off with a whole new group of girls for the next four years,” said Donoghue after a dominant performance on the draw and in the offensive end.
The Red Raiders have a short rest period before a quick turnaround for a game on Saturday. They will face the 18th ranked Eastern High School Vikings in a top 20 match. The game is slated for a 1:30 p.m. start.
