BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity lacrosse team got off to a fast start this week, routing visiting Kent Island, 13-4, in the season opener.
With talented veterans all over the field, the outlook is bright for the Seahawks this season, who will challenge for the Bayside crown and greater aspirations in the state playoffs. Going in, Kent Island was identified as one of the main potential stumbling blocks for Decatur, but the Seahawks had more than the Buccaneers could handle on Monday in the opener.
The Seahawks wasted no time jumping out to an early lead. Sami Quilter scored on an assist from Cassidy Remmell for a quick 1-0 lead. A goal by Blair Yesko made it 2-0 a short time later. Remmell then scored on an assist from Erin Florek to make it 3-0 in a span of a few minutes.
Florek then scored an unassisted goal to stake Decatur to a 4-0 lead in the first 10 minutes of the game. Goals by Layla Fowler and Jenna Leitgeb increased the margin to 6-0 before Kent Island got on the board just before the half. Kent Island opened the second half with two quick goals to cut the lead to 6-3, and what appeared to be heading toward a route was suddenly a close game again.
However, Remmell and Payton VanKirk each scored goals to push the lead back to 8-3. The Seahawks continued to attack the Kent Island net, including another goal by Florek and a goal by Lexie VanKirk and cruised to the 13-4 win in the opener. Payton VanKirk led the way with three goals and three assists, while Florek scored two goals and dished out two assists.