It’s a streak of almost incomprehensible proportions. For 11 straight seasons in the Independent School League, the Washington area’s toughest girls lacrosse conference, St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes (Va.) has not lost.
That’s the daunting reality facing Stone Ridge in the ISL AA final today at Holton-Arms. And it’s not just the streak that makes the Saints imposing.
“Those girls are tall,” said Stone Ridge coach Jill Marks. “They line up with you on a draw, and they’re a head taller. The ball goes up and they can just reach above your head and get it.”
Center Molly Millard (5-foot-11), attack Carter Foote (5-11) and defender Annie Taylor (5-9) are among the taller Saints that Stone Ridge (16-2) will have to deal with this afternoon. SS&SA (16-0) also boasts top scorer Katherine Denkler and defenders Lizzy Rupp (Johns Hopkins) and Lauren McLemore (Cornell), who is back in the lineup after missing most of the season with an injury.
Stone Ridge counters with Kaitlin Duff (91 goals) and Kaitlin Keena (53 goals) and a strong defense, led by junior Alix Tydings, that paved the Gators’ way to a 14-6 win over Episcopal (Va.) in the semifinals. Tydings held Episcopal freshman Carly Lithincum scoreless Sunday. When Stone Ridge beat Episcopal, 14-10, in the regular season, Lithincum had five goals. Sophomore center Liza Beckler also excelled on defense and on draws as the Gators claimed 14 of 20.
“Draw control will be especially important in this game,” said Marks.
It was key for the Saints in their 15-7 victory over Stone Ridge in the regular season, a game in which they limited Duff to two goals.
