Gray Sweeties Honor Moms With Stirring 10-7

5th Grade Sweeties make big rush in route to win

Mothers Day was celebrated in fine style as the Gray Sweeties 5th Grade Girls Lacrosse team rewarded their moms with a win over rival Farmingdale by a 10-7 score. After the game, as if the win were not enough, the moms in attendance were honored with red roses and chocolate-dipped strawberries. The game, a tense one throughout, was highlighted by superb passing, tight defense and some great goaltending by both teams. Though the Sweeties took an early three goal lead, Farmingdale stormed back and the Sweeties lead was never more than a goal or two until the final minute of the game.

Midfielder Katherine Malhame opened the scoring for the Sweeties with the first of her two goals in the game, with an assist from Erin Pfail. Then, after Kayla Murphy scooped up a groundball, she and Kelly Tierney lead the passing attack, resulting in a goal on a free shot by Kayla and a 2-1 lead for the Sweeties. The defense, lead by Melanie McHugh, Jacqueline O'Hare and Sage Fuller, was aggressive all game and helped set up the third goal. Melanie, who led the game with five groundballs, scooped one and made a long run up field before passing to Erin. Erin then ran the ball behind the goal before hitting Jamie Sweet with a beautiful pass in front, which Jamie converted, to make the score 3-1. The quarter ended with the Sweeties up 4-1, after Jamie assisted on Erin's second goal of the quarter.

Sweeties move the ball upfield versus Farmingdale

Evan Molitor had a great game in goal once again, making numerous leg and stick saves. Evan finished the game with a total of six saves. The Sweeties scored only once in the second, as Melanie and Regan Marooney worked a pretty give-and-go play, with Melanie putting home the goal with a low, laser-like shot. However, the Farmingdale players were motivated and they turned in their best plays of the game in the second quarter. The lead was only one at the half, 5-4.

The second half was tight as both teams scored twice in the third. The Sweeties were strong on attack, with Kristen Rasquin, Amanda Vione, Meghan Mulhall, Julia Dignam and Katherine Pearson all contributing to pin Farmingdale down. The Sweeties' ball control was a key, as exemplified by the play of Julia Dignam, which lead to her goal. After the Sweeties won the draw (Katherine and Kayla were great all day on the draws) and controlled the ball, Julia fought for and controlled the rebound of a Katherine Malhame shot, then slammed home the goal. As the third quarter ran down, Alex Riceman's pretty pass play resulted in an assist on Erin's second goal of the game, giving the Sweeties a slim 7-6 lead after three quarters.

5th Grade Sweeties crowd Farmingdale goal

The Sweeties would not be deterred this week, however. The middies Caitlin Mahland, Meghan Mulhall and Kelly Tierney helped turn the tide with tough defense and groundballs. Kelly also assisted on Katherine's second goal, a turning point in the game. After Farmingdale was called for offside, Alex ran the ball up and passed to Kelly. Kelly, in turn, fed Katherine, who fought her way in for the goal. Though the Farmingdale goalie was tough to score upon, Evan was the better of the two on this day, and she held Farmingdale to one fourth quarter goal, and the Sweeties were able to close the game out with two more goals by Erin to close out the game.

Strong 5th Grade Sweetie defense stifles Farmingdale

The coaching staff appreciates the hard work of the players and the support of their parents, families and friends, but most of all - and especially this week - all the Moms, with out whose love and dedication none of this would be possible.

GC's Own 5th Grade Sweethearts close in on Mother's Day