Defending Frank Shaw Field

The Maclay Girls Lacrosse Team Beats the Santa Fe Raiders to Gain Their First Victory of the 2024 Season

Photo by Blair Bayliss/Maclay Andalusian

The Maclay girls lacrosse team defended their home field on Feb. 20, beating the Santa Fe Raiders 12-9. The Marauders bounced back from their season opener loss to West Florida 11-5 the previous week, but the team avenged their loss to West Florida and to the Raiders last year with their first home field this season. 

The Marauders came out hot with eight goals in the first half. Sophomore Molly McDonald only allowed four goals as the Marauders entered halftime up 8-4. While the team did not keep up the same offensive rhythm as the first half, they kept battling until the final buzzer. The Raiders would end up winning the second half 5-4; however, it was not enough to make a comeback as the Marauders wound up securing the win 12-9.

“We scored fast and early,” sophomore Grier DeRosier said. “We stayed ahead the whole game and we worked hard to keep our lead to get our first win.

McDonald and DeRosier had a major impact in the Marauders’ win. Mcdonald saved nine shots and DeRosier scored six goals. 

“During the week at practice, we worked on a lot of defensive drills and defensive body positioning because that is what we struggled with in our last game,” DeRosier said.

The team’s hard work during the offseason and practices was on full display during the game as they connected on both offense and defense. From faceoffs to attacks, the Marauders played as a team. Each player did their job in securing the victory.

“We have been practicing for the last couple weeks as a team,” junior Taylor Harbin said. “We have prepared our defense to play different teams.”

Head Coach Vantassel prepared the Marauders well for the adversity and tough teams they have faced and will face during the season. 

The Marauders will travel to Navarre, Florida to face the Navarre Raiders. The team looks to begin a winning streak on Saturday, Feb. 24.