PEABODY — Peabody’s girls lacrosse team (12-5) completed a season sweep of Danvers Thursday afternoon, defeating the Falcons 16-4 on their home turf.
Brooke Lomasney finished the game with seven goals and two assists, while Ally Bettencourt added four goals and an assist.
“Brooke Lomasney played a phenomenal game again,” Peabody coach Michelle Roach said. “She’s only a sophomore, but plays with such poise and maturity.”
Danvers got on the scoreboard three minutes into the game for a 1-0 lead. It didn’t last long, however, in fact, it was its only lead.
Lomasney responded within 40 seconds to level things 1-1. On top of scoring, the superstar Tanner did all of the little things. And, in the end, the whole team did, something Roach commented on postgame.
“The draws, the turnovers, and the ground balls I think were huge,” Roach said. “The pressure on the [Danvers] goalie as well – we were able to turn it over. This was one of our stronger games. Every ground ball, we were getting to it. That was one of our goals for today.”
After the Falcons scored the opening goal, the Tanners held them scoreless for the next 17 minutes, much to the liking of Roach.
“That’s a huge accomplishment,” Roach said. “One of the things we are working on is possession and doing things with a purpose. Keeping the ball, looking for our lanes, and forcing them where we want to go.”
Peabody controlled possession throughout, largely in part to University of New England commit Siobhan Smith.
“Siobhan Smith on the draw was really critical,” Roach said.
Roach is right. Because of Smith, Lomasney and Bettencourt were given plenty of opportunities to thrive in the offensive zone.
“Her winning the draws pushed the momentum into our favor,” Roach said.
When the Falcons did get possession, they struggled to break down the Tanners’ defense, and when they did get space, Caitlin Snow was there to make critical saves – 11, to be exact.
“On defense, Caitlin Snow made so many key saves to keep us ahead,” Roach said. “She was a key player.”
Roach also acknowledged Katie Amico’s defense and leadership.
“Katie played so hard on defense. You can hear her all over the field,” Roach said. “She’s such a strong leader by communicating with everyone.”
A Tanner who did a little bit of everything was eighth grader Victoria Vaz. She scored two goals, won two ground balls, and forced a turnover.
“Victoria Vass played really well today,” Roach said.
The Tanners’ next game is Friday when they host Acton-Boxborough at 4 p.m.
