by Hudson, Ohio – The Hudson Explorers prevailed, 10-9, over previously unbeaten North Canton Hoover at Hudson Memorial Stadium Thursday night.
Ava Streb had the game’s opening goal, and Lily Cain followed with a goal of her own to give the Vikings a 2-0 lead three minutes into the game. Hudson had a couple of early chances, but hit the post on their attempts. They finally broke into the scoring column thanks to a goal from senior and Penn State commit Ryan St. Pierre at the 15-minute mark.
Mackie Stickler followed with a goal to tie the game. Junior Madison Vardavas responded with a goal of her own to put North Canton Hoover back in front, 3-2.
Hudson responded to take the lead for the first time with two straight goals.
Emma Palmer scored a game-tying goal, and Ryan St. Pierre added her second goal of the game to give Hudson the lead, 4-3, with 7:22 left in the first half. The momentum of the game swung like a pendulum throughout the first half. Hoover got a game-tying goal from junior Lily Cain with 2:39 left in the first half. One minute later, Youngstown State commit Mya Miller gave the Vikings the lead, 5-4.
A game-tying goal attempt from Hudson was waved off, and Hoover led 5-4 at the half.
The second half was about as evenly matched as you could get.
Mackie Stickler scored the game tying goal less than a minute into the second half, and Audra Lozina followed up with another goal less than two minutes later to put Hudson ahead, 6-5.
Hoover responded with another pair of back-to-back goals. These came from junior Madison Vardavas and put the Vikings in front, 7-6. A goal from Regann Jeffries made the score 8-6 with 14 minutes left in the second half.
Like they did in the first half, the Explorers rallied from another two-goal deficit. Mackie Stickler scored a short time later to cut the difference down to one goal. Kennedy Kerrigan knotted the score at 8 a short time later.
With the momentum on the Explorers’ side, Ava Kuss put Hudson in front, 9-8. Hoover tied it once again thanks to a goal from Mya Miller a short time later.
Kennedy Kerrigan scored the go-ahead goal with 4:47 to play. From there, the Explorers played keep-away, and hung on for the victory.
“I think we had players that took it upon themselves to make a difference in the outcome of the game. They did what they set out to do. They took those 1 v 1 opportunities and put the ball in the back of the net. That changed the game for us.” -Hudson head coach Margie Anderson
“I think the one that tied it gave us the momentum that we were still in it, and the energy kept going for the last one. It was great teamwork and that’s how we got those last shots.” -Senior attacker Kennedy Kerrigan
Hudson, now 5-1, hosts Dublin Jerome on Saturday, April 15th. Sophomore Mackie Stickler had three goals, followed by seniors Regan St. Pierre and Kennedy Kerrigan each with a pair.
North Canton Hoover, now 4-1, hosts Dublin Coffman on Saturday, April 15th. Junior Madison Vardavas had three goals, followed by two each from Mya Miller and Lily Cain.
Extended highlights here:
North Canton Hoover Vikings at Hudson Explorers (Girls Lacrosse) (04/13/2023) – YouTube
A few words with Maxim Lacrosse owner Todd Kortowich –
MAXIM LACROSSE is the official sponsor of Girls Lacrosse coverage at Kee On Sports
About Maxim Lacrosse
At MAXIM Lacrosse, their #1 goal is to assist players in reaching their full potential and continuing their lacrosse career at the college or university of their choice. They are dedicated to guiding their players to achieve this goal, and the players become high performers both on and off the field.
MAXIM Lacrosse will demand players embody the game by giving and receiving respect and understanding that character counts. MAXIM Lacrosse provides the opportunity for passionate, high-performing athletes to come together, celebrate their accomplishments (on any field), and work together to demonstrate competitive excellence.
Find out more about them here – https://maximlacrosse.com/
