Girls' Lacrosse Rolls on to Quarterfinals

After 10 straight goals to open the game, the third-seeded girls’ lacrosse team cruised to a 17-7 victory over No. 14 Manchester Essex Thursday in the first round of the Division 2 North sectional at .

“I think everyone did something nice today,” Winchester coach Suzanne Ontso said, “which is what you want to see in the tournament.”

The Sachems got hat-tricks from Megan Hennessey, Kate Wendell and McKenzie Tucci. However, the team’s first five goals came from five different players, and nine players would end up scoring overall.

Winchester (15-2-2) advances to play another Cape Ann League opponent, No. 6 Triton (13-6), back at Manchester Field on Monday. Triton, a regional high school in Byfield, should provide a tougher challenge. Triton beat Manchester Essex 17-9 earlier this season and has won nine of its last 10 games.

In Thursday’s game, Hennessey, a sophomore, set the team’s single-season assist record. She was one behind the old mark of 39 heading into the game and added three in the contest.

Wendell scored all three of her goals in the second half and added an assist.

Emy Stratton and Maggie Connolly also had multi-goal games for Winchester, while Sarah Ohnigian, Michaela Chiuccariello, Talene Bush and Abby Wheeler each scored once.

Georgia Mohrbacher had two assists and played well on defense with Remi DiRe and Gabby Bush. Goalie Erin Maki started for Winchester in net, while Hallie Stone replaced her late with the game well in hand.

Taylor Meek had a hat-trick for Manchester Essex, and Kyle Marsh had two goals.

Winchester led 10-0 after about 17 minutes and then 10-1 at the half, after Meek scored off a foul with 16 seconds left.

The Sachems then won the second half 7-6.

Winchester will host No. 6 Triton, Monday, June 6 at 4 p.m.