Girls lacrosse edges Archbishop-Williams in South quarterfinal

Large, enthusiastic crowd enjoys thrilling contest.

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Abby Marchand goes on the attack against Archbishop Williams, Saturday at MVRHS. — Ralph Stewart

Updated June 12

The Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School (MVRHS) girls lacrosse team advanced to the semi-finals of the MIAA Division 2 South Sectional with a dramatic 11-10 quarterfinal win over Archbishop-Williams at Dan McCarthy Field in Oak Bluffs on Saturday. The No. 1 seeded Vineyarders, who entered the game at 18-1 on the year, started fast, then played see-saw with the eighth-seeded Bishops before eking out the one-goal win.  

The hosts jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead and, after two Bishop tallies, would add two more goals before the half. Seniors Alexis Condon and Addy Hayman handled the Vineyard scoring with four and two goals respectively. With momentum on their side, the 6-2 lead seemed comfortable. But Williams came out like gangbusters in the second half, scoring five straight goals to take a 7-6 lead. The seesaw was on the move.

Now it was the Vineyards’ turn. When Alexis Condon scored with ten minutes to go, the hosts went on a five-goal spree of their own and reclaimed their four-goal lead at 11-7. The final three minutes were nerve-wracking as the Bishops had their last turn on the seesaw. Three straight goals by the visitors made it an 11-10 game with a minute to go. With fans from both sides cheering and gasping, the Vineyarders ran out the clock with deft passing and ball control.

Alexis Condon and Addy Hayman led the Vineyard offense with five and four goals respectively. Fellow seniors Louise McDonald and Skyla Harthcock also tallied. Senior Kayleen Sickorez and sophomore Mel McClay each scored three goals for the Bishops. The Vineyarders’ Lila Mikos and the Bishops’ Nicole Hersey were outstanding in goal throughout.

The Vineyard will face fourth seed Hanover on Tuesday in the South semi-final match.