Alexis Black Nets Nine Goals
Kenston's girls lacrosse team traveled cross-town March 19 to take on the NDCL Lions.
Kenston’s girls lacrosse team traveled cross-town March 19 to take on the NDCL Lions.
The Bombers were dominant early, jumping out to a 7-1 first-quarter lead, then extended their lead in the remaining three quarters by an 11 additional goals to defeat the Lions, 18-5.
Afterward, Kenston Coach Becky Parker said junior midfielder Carmella Nilsson did a great job of leading the Bombers throughout the game.
In particular, Nilsson’s winning of many draws was integral to their success, Parker said. Her 11 draw controls helped the Bombers gain possession of the ball after the draw.
When the Bombers had possession, Coach Parker wanted her players to stay in control and be methodical in setting up their offensive attack.
Executing the game plan against the Lions, Parker stressed to her players to make excellent passes to open teammates and, when not in possession of the ball, to make good off-ball movements.
Certainly, excellent passing and moving well without the ball were evident as Kenston’s offensive attack netted 18 goals against the Lions.
Parker noted that many players contributed goals throughout the game.
Scoring half of the goals against the Lions was senior Alexis Black.
In fact, with 30 seconds left in the second quarter, Black reached an incredible career milestone when she scored her 100th career goal.
Post-game, Black discussed this amazing achievement.
“My goal since freshman year was to hit my 100th career goal,” she said. “So it’s just kind of been something I worked at. I was a little short last year, so I knew this season I wanted to get it really quick.
“So that’s just kind of been my goal. And my team obviously helped me so much, motivated me. I do it all for them.”
Black also said she often likes to play from behind the net as an X player.
“I knew I was on my 100th goal, so I really wanted that one,” she said. “I just kind of made a move and was able to get past the defender and hit the upper corner shot.”
Coach Parker said Black scored one goal as a freshman and just kept improving.
Black also does a great job of sharing the ball, her coach said, as she sets her teammates up for goals and is a team leader in assists.
Another Bombers milestone came in the fourth quarter, when freshman Cora Dunnam scored her first varsity goal.
Afterward, Dunnam discussed goals for her career.
“I got my first varsity goal as a freshman, which is great, and Lexi scored 100, which is just awesome for her, and it was just a great game for everybody, ” Dunnam said. “A hundred (goals) would be absolutely amazing throughout my four years. I would love to do that. Being captain my junior or senior year would (also) be perfect.”
Numerous other players also contributed to the Bombers offensive performance, including Nilsson (4 goals), Maggie Nelson (2), Drcar Ava (1) and Charlotte Cowan (1).
Leading Kenston in assists were Black (3 assists), Nilsson (3) and Mariela Macias (1).
After facing the Lions, the Bombers traveled to Canfield on March 21 to take on the Cardinals, and won 14-6, managing five goals in the first half and nine goals in the second half.
Scoring against the Cardinals were Black (4 goals), Macias (3), Cowan (2), Juliana Heiman (2), Ashlyn Hunter (1), Nelson (1) and Cate Zoltowicz (1).
Kenston will next face the Orange Lions on April 2.
