Pirates Cruise Past Garnets, 16-11

The Pearl River Pirates girls’ lacrosse team fired on all cylinders in a 16-11 victory over the Rye Garnets at home Thursday.

Pearl River was having an easier time getting to the front of the goal in the first half. Rye's interior defense was shaky and the Pirates cashed in every time they were given a chance get to the goal.

“We did very well offensively today and we controlled the midfield,” said Pearl River Coach Laurie Mayernik. “Our attack was able to break through their defense and get to the net.”

The Pirates made a strong push just before the half and took an 11-6 lead to the break.

Junior midfielder Kiera McMullan of Pearl River was having her way with the Garnets’ defense, helping her to score seven goals in the contest. Her speed created problems for Rye and she always had her head up looking for open teammates.

“Maddie (Wilson) and I play so well together,” said McMullan. “Sometimes we just look at each other and make eye contact and she knows I am going in for a drive and ditch. We were really on today.”

Senior midfielder Lauren Cook, who scored three goals, also played a key role controlling the Pirates’ offense. She had excellent ball control, weaving through crowded spaces. Senior midfielder Maddie Wilson was involved all over the field, controlling the ball in crowds, helping her team regroup on the fly and scoring three goals

After both teams went on a scoring drought late in the second half, the pPirates scored a dagger. Katie Creagh passed to Jessica Mayernik, who fired it home to put Pearl River ahead 16-10 with only three minutes remaining.

“I honestly don’t know what happened out there today,” said Rye Coach Lisa Zweigenhaft. “After a tough loss yesterday I thought the girls would come and be amped to get the ball in the net today. But Pearl River is tough and that wasn’t the case.”

Junior Emma Brinkman led Rye with four goals.

Despite the victory, the Pirates are always looking to improve and fine-tune their game.

 “Our work on ground balls and draws still needs some work," Mayernik said. "I think we kind of had a bit of a let down in that department but our defense played well again today and that was enough."

 “Everyone played well today, and the defense really stepped up,” said Kiera McMullan of Pearl River. “Our offense was great today. We were really clicking. It’s all about knowing your teammates, knowing how to play together and working hard out there.”

 “We had a really great game in transitions today,” Wilson said. “ Lauren [Cook], Kiera [McMullan] and I really know how to play with one another. This was a big game for us and the whole team has been completely focused on it all day. We were really clicking out there and when we are on like that, we really can’t be stopped.”

 The Pirates are move to 5-0-1 after their home victory on Thursday. They remain undefeated and look to stay that way at Albertus Magnus 11 a.m. April 18

 Pearl River 16, Rye 11

 Goal scorers: Rye – Emma Brinkman (4), Tori Virtue (2), Alex Bennett, Maddy Chabot, Kelly Bonaventura, Annie VanWagenen, Brittany McCormack; PR – Kiera McMullan (7), Lauren Cook (3), Maddie Wilson (3), Caitlin Noonan, Jessica Mayernik, Meghan McBrien
Assists: PR -- Maddie Wilson (4), Kaity Creagh (2), Jessica Mayernik (1), Kaliegh Howe (1), Colleen Clarke (1), Caitlin Noonan (1).
Saves: PR -- Delia White (10)