QO Girls Withstand Late Watkins Mill Rally

Thanks to a big first-half lead and some stellar net-minding from junior Kelsey O’Connor, Quince Orchard girls’ lacrosse team picked up a crucial division win Tuesday night against Watkins Mill, 14-10.

The Cougars built an 8-2 halftime lead and extended that to 12-5 behind the offense of Allie Solomon and Alexa Ritchie, who both tallied four goals, and Rachel Hollander, who added three.

Watkins Mill came alive from there, controlling most of the possessions and beating defenders to the front of the goal. But time and again, the Cougars’ junior goalie turned the shot back. O’Connor recorded more than a dozen saves on Tuesday night—most of them from point-blank range—as the Wolverines nonetheless managed to turn the tide in their favor. Freshman Alexis Rusnak and senior Kaylor Ficklin helped lead the charge, with five goals and four goals, respectively.

"I’m proud of a lot of the things we did tonight, but it was a case of too little, too late," said Watkins Mill Coach Vinnie Naylor.

The loss drops Watkins Mill to 6-2 on the season, while Quince Orchard moves to 3-5. Quince Orchard hosts Bethesda-Chevy Chase on Friday for senior night.

Watkins Mill has three more games this week, starting with Wednesday’s match-up at home against Springbrook. The 7 p.m. game will benefit breast cancer research and awareness.

Watkins Mill 10

• Alexis Rusnak 5 goals
• Kaylor Ficklin 4 goals
• Sara Labriny 1 goal

Quince Orchard 14

• Allie Solomon 4 goals
• Alexa Ritchie 4 goals
• Rachel Hollander 3 goals
• Allie Kryjack 2 goals
• Abby Boynton 1 goal
• Madeline Korol 1 assist
• Morgan Dorset 1 assist