Lady Jags Defeat Seneca Valley in Battle of Germantown
The Northwest Lady Jags extended their winning streak over cross-town rival Seneca Valley to six games with a victory on Monday night. The Lady Jags bounced back from a tough 11-10 loss, their second of the season, at the hands of Watkins Mill last Wednesday, by pounding the Lady Eagles 16-3, to extend their record to 8-2.
The Lady Jags were led by junior Brooke Mandel, who netted five goals in the victory. Northwest had two other players with multiple goals in the game. Seniors Kelly Miller and Katie Palmiere had three goals apiece. Palmiere pitched in with five assists while Miller also had two assists.
Two of Seneca Valley’s goals came from the stick of sophomore attacker Lexi Opdenaker. Seneca’s third goal came as junior Dini Khiangte worked a ball from mid-field into the attack area and zipped a shot past the Northwest goalie.
In all eight Jaguars scored in the contest, juniors Summer Jacobs and Sydney Gabitzer had one goal each, sophomore Julia Brock had a goal and two shots, while freshman Ali Rosenberg and senior Madeline Gerardi had a goal apiece.
The now 8-2 Lady Jags are poised for success as the post season nears in just two weeks. They will be on the road for their next two games, the first is Wednesday at 7-2 Churchill and then at 3-6 Blake on Friday. The Lady Jags will finish the regular season with two home games, hosting 1-8 Einstein on Tuesday, May 3 and 2-6 Richard Montgomery on Friday, May 6.
“The plan from here on out is to remain calm and display self-control out there and not take any stupid fouls,” said Northwest Head Coach Holly Klopfer. “Play to the best of our ability, making smart passes and smart cuts, and just to not rush anything.”
Klopfer said that she would be looking to seniors Kelly Miller and Madeline Gerardi to lead the attack and keep up the offense while leaning on defensive leaders sophomore Kat Dingwall and senior Brooke Wallmark to step. “We have a solid lineup all the way through; we will need all of them to step up their game as we prepare for the post season.”
As for Seneca Valley, the very young Lady Screamin’ Eagles continue to search for their first win. “We have a very young team, only three seniors,” said Head Coach Molly Gillespie, “but we have a lot of sophomores that are showing a bunch of potential. Lexi Opdenacker had two excellent goals tonight. I have a lot to work with in the future.”
