By Janice Calvi-Ruimerman (May 12, 2023) —
Well, as the saying goes, “you win some and you lose some”! This was clearly the theme this week with two games played within two days ending with a 10+ point differential.
On May 9, 2023, the HK Girls Lacrosse team faced off with the Old Saybrook Rams on Old Saybrook’s turf. For the first 10 minutes of the game, it was a back-and-forth scoring game as draw possession was achieved by both teams. Ironically, though, after a timeout was called by the home team the draw took a quick turn. HK could not gain possession on the draw as the ball seemed to be “ram’d” toward the Old Saybrook side. The words “double-double” were heard from the HK line as defenders tried to double team the single scorer for the Rams. Despite all efforts and blocked shots, Sophomore Goalie Gabrielle (Gabby) Williams was no match for the Ram’s shooter.
Goals were scored by Senior Captains Sophie Ramino 2, Audrey Wrinn 2, Jenna Whitmer 1, Sophomores Seanna (SeaSea) Ruimerman 4 and Ava Ramino 1. However, this was not enough to prevent the Cougar’s 20-10 loss to Old Saybrook. This game was a hard loss for this team as the equity in possession was clearly titled on the shoreline, but motivation is key, and this team is motivated by integrity and team support. And, with that kind of motivation comes a win.
On Thursday, May 11, 2023, HK took on the Cromwell Panthers on Haddam Killingworth’s home field in Higganum. As the Panthers staggered the field, the Cougars were immediately on the attack, from first draw to last as the Cougar offense continuously gain possession of the ball. The flawless passes and catches by the midfield line helped the HK team to quickly move the ball into Cougar territory. While the HK defense easily overpowered the Panthers at every turn. Swift possession and sharp fielding were the keys to the high score of this game. To the Panther’s dismay, Senior Captains Audrey Wrinn and Sophie Ramino coupled with the speed and agility of Junior Samantha (Sammy) Ruimerman gave Cromwell no room to play.
Additionally, HK defenders Senior, Julianna Gagliardi (J-Gag) and Juniors, Peyton Tyler, and Brigitte Battistoni along with Sophomore Madaline (Maddie) Catalano kept the Panthers at bay. A bonus play, as a midfielder stayed back, by Senior, first year player / defender Julia Favalora’s run to goal made the stands roar as the Cougars continued to dominate. Cougar claws were out while Senior Captains Georgia Cancroft and Jenna Whitmer and Juniors Jamie DiNapoli and Aly Campbell provided the assists needed to keep the ball on goal side for most of this game.
Goals were racked up by Senior Captains Audrey Wrinn 5, Sophie Ramino 2, Jenna Whitmer 1, first-year-player, first goal, Senior Julia Favalora 1, Juniors, Jamie DiNapoli 2, Caroline (Iggy) Ignatuck 1 and Samantha (Sammy) Ruimerman 3, and Sophomores Ava Ramino 3 and Seanna (SeaSea) Ruimerman 2 gave the Panthers a 11 point sendoff while Sophomore, Varsity Goalie Gabrielle (Gabby) Williams ensured that the clock continued to run with a final score of 20-9 for the HK win.
Nice work Girls way to play together, win or lose, integrity and teamwork is key!
See the full season’s game schedule on HKHS Athletics website.
