ANDOVER, N.H. — If she had her way, Lebanon High girls lacrosse coach Sara Ecker would next see goaltender Lena Nowell on a highlight reel.
Nowell made nine saves — including one worthy of television replay, Ecker maintained — to front the defensive effort that backstopped a 12-6 win over Kearsarge in an NHIAA Division III girls lacrosse tournament opener on Monday at Proctor Academy. Lebanon (12-3) didn’t lack for offense — Sydney Gonyea and Ella Longacore both provided three-goal hat tricks — but the defense was the star of the game, in Ecker’s opinion.
“Another incredible team defensive effort along with a great game by Lena in goal,” Ecker said. “We struggled to come up with possession off the draw but made up for it with our scrappy second effort going after 50-50 balls. I am so proud of the way this team played tonight. It is never easy to beat a team three times in one season, and these girls rose to the occasion.”
Gonyea added an assist for a team-high four-point afternoon. Molly Smith scored twice with an assist for Lebanon, and Kayla Taber had two helpers to go with one goal. Catherine Cole, Rachel Harrington and Maddie Jewell also dented the net for the Raiders.
The win sends Lebanon to a Wednesday quarterfinal at Hopkinton. The opening draw is 5 p.m.
CLAREMONT — Austin Hazzard went 3-for-4 with four runs batted in and John Stark pitchers held the Cardinals (8-6) to just two hits as their season ended in the NHIAA Division II first round at Barnes Park.
“They can really hit the ball, and we didn’t make enough plays today, but I am still proud of this team,” Stevens coach Paul Silva said. “Coming into the season, we had eight of our starters playing varsity baseball for the first time, and they learned a lot and had a good season.”
Ty Theriault and Dom Puksta accounted for the Cards’ two hits. Dylan Chambers took the loss on the mound.
Stevens graduates three: Owen Taylor, Caden Ferland and Bryce Weymouth.
CLAREMONT — The Falcons ended the Cardinals’ season with a first-round NHIAA Division II tournament win at Veterans Park.
Stevens (10-4) graduates Makayla Maccioli, Zoey Foote, Gabby Savo, Gabby Labounty, Aunnah Shepard and Caidence Verrill.