West and East Battle in Cherry Hill Full of Comebacks

Friday, April 30, 2004

By Joyce Sagerty
SJSports Special Correspondent

It has been a while since the game of lacrosse has been watched by this reporter who rarely gets the opportunity to relax in a chair enjoy it. It didn’t take long to notice that these two teams, Cherry Hill East and Cherry Hill West, were closely matched team filled with role players with speed could simply take over a game. During the beginning of the first half, West’s momentum after each face off could not be stopped. East would rebound to take the lead, but it would be that early momentum that was remembered by the Lady Lions that allowed them to pull off the 13-12 upset over Cherry Hill East.

Right off the opening whistle was blown to indicate the start of the game, West went on their initial attack and was successful on their first scoring chance. Cherry Hill West’s Rachel Gordon aggressive attack was very successful during the game’s first goal with just over a minute and a half into the game. The Lions would carry the play and a 4-1 lead with 12:18 remaining in the first session. That’s when the Cougars scored the next four goals to pull ahead 5-4 and then eventually 7-5 by halftime. Goals by Katie Hammond, Amanda Cucinotti and Katie Koper lead the charge for Cherry Hill East.

When the second half began, East continued to build on their lead by staying in front by an 11-9 score. West would use Gordon’s attacking style of play to get right back into this game. This Olympic Conference Patriot Division match came down to a last second shot. With the game tied at 12 apiece, Cherry Hill West’s Angela Wilmot got her shot off that found its way into the net with 45 seconds remaining in the game.