by Rocky River Girls Lacrosse team advanced to the second round of the postseason tournament with a 17-3 win over crosstown rival Westlake today at home. The Lady Pirates were led by the dynamic duo of Kaitlyn Byrne (4) and Alexis Tisler (3) who combined for 7 goals. Also connecting with multiple goals for the Lady Pirates were Mackenzie Russell and Olivia Konopka with 2 each.
The Lady Pirates jumped out to a 1-0 lead with a goals by Kaitlyn Byrne, her 43rd of the season just two minutes into the action. They attempted to extend the lead moments later with a free position, but Westlake made a terrific save to keep it at 1. A few moments later a goal by Alexis Tisler extended the River lead to 2-0 however. It was her 38th of the season as the Pirates were off and running as Byrne had the assist on that one.
From there, goals by Mackenzie Russell, Olivia Konopka, Byrne and Tisler made it 6-0, with 16:16 still left to play in the opening half. The issue for Westlake was that they couldn’t seem to win a draw at midfield to gain possession and River used it to set up scoring chances. A free position goal by Mackenzie Russell put things out of reach at 7-0 with 13:49 to play in the first. Making things worse for the Demons, was the Yellow Card assessed to Westlake, following the goal.
Rocky River goals by Al Mocho, Daisy Thompson ( free po ) and Konopka gave the Pirates a double digit lead at 10-0 with 3:46 left in the opening half. A free position goal by Jane Rathbun completed the first half scoring with the Pirates leading at the break 11-0.
Any chance of a Demon comeback in the second half was ended quickly as River kept the pressure on with quick goals from Bryne and Tisler, the hat trick goals for both, it gave the Pirates a Bakers Dozen lead at 13.
Down 17-0, Westlake showed no retreat, no surrender and played out the final moments of their season like a house on fire as they kept on pushing and broke the scoring seal when Lucy Rocco scored, unassisted with 6:16 to play. From there, the Demons scored two more times to end the season.
**Cool note – The 17th goal of the game for Rocky River was a sister to sister connection when Alexis passed it to younger sister Addie for the goal! Again, a cool moment these two young ladies and their parents will never forget.
**Cool note 2 – How about those Demons? A school record 15 wins this year, be proud young women and coaching staff! Great job!
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