Cape girls’ lax powers to 18-6 win over Sussex Academy
The Cape girls’ lacrosse team trailed Sussex Academy 3-0 midway through the first quarter April 2, on the Seahawks’ home field. By halftime, Cape had leveled the game at 5-5.
Cape ramped up its speed-demon game in the second half, which started on the draw circle with the trio of Ally Diehl, Haley Gamuciello and Mairead Rishko. The Vikings ran a 13-1 crooked number at the Seahawks, eventually running the clock on the Seahawks to win 18-6.
“We are best when we play fast,” said Cape coach Lindsey Underwood. “I called a timeout when we were down 3-0 and let the girls know it was time to pick up the pace.”
The draw circle trio of sophomores, all Atlantic Lax players, went to see a Temple game eight years ago because Taylor Gooch, Sussex Academy’s current coach, and sisters Anna and Lizzie Frederick were on the team. They have been playing together since they were 6-year-old scoopers.
“We are road warriors,” Underwood said. “Winning at Queen Anne's, Broadneck and here at Sussex Academy was a tough stretch.”
Caesar Rodney, coached by former Cape goalie Gina Voss, will play at Sussex Academy Friday, April 4. Early in the season, teams are already playing for the postseason. Sussex Academy and Caesar Rodney project as final four teams, but there’s a long way to go and a short time to get there.
Cape had eight different players score, with 13 of 17 goals assisted.
Diehl and Macy Steinwedel combined five and four goals, respectively, to lead the way. Claire Lopez, Regan Best and Amara Fruchtman each had two goals. Avary Miller, Lina Frederick and Gamuciello each scored one.
Assists were Gamuciello with four, Rishko with three, Lopez with two and Fruchtman, Best, Frederick and Mackenzie Todd each with one.
Abbey Schaeffer was credited with five saves.
Sussex Academy scoring came from Shelby Manlove with three goals and Madi Lehman, Emiley Bisaha and Shea Danahy with one apiece. Bisaha also had an assist.
Morgan Leeper was credited with nine saves.
Notes: Unsung defenders Madison Mark and Quinn Nutter played outstanding games for Cape. Cape has beaten Sussex Academy 12 straight times since the teams first played in 2016. The closest games were 15-11 in 2022 and 10-7 in 2023. Caesar Rodney improved to 4-0 on the season with a 12-10 win over Tatnall, which was missing its leading scorer. There are still nine undefeated teams in Delaware.
