HAMILTON, Mass. -- The Hamilton-Wenham girls lacrosse team Wednesday pulled away in the second half to earn an 18-10 win in the Division 4 State Tournament.

 

"After getting off of a four-hour ride on a school bus, I wasn't sure how much energy the girls were going to have," Wahconah coach Kathy Budaj said. "Before the game we spoke about how far they have come and that they need to believe in themselves. Well we came out and scored two quick goals. HW responded and tied it up. HW had some very skilled players who knew how to score."

 

It was a two-goal deficit for Wahconah at half-time, and Budaj said her team was excited about its chances of pulling off the upset.

 

"With about 10 minutes left we scored to make it a one goal game," Budaj said. "Claire [Naef] and Eva [Eberwein were finding each other. HW called a time out and we were starting to get tired. HW came out strong and put in a couple to make it a three-goal game."

 

Eberwein and Naef each had a hat trick for Wahconah. Ava Massaro and Norah Esko each scored twice.

 

Phalyn Renderer stopped eight shots in the loss.

 

"I am so proud of the effort they gave," Budaj said. "Ava Massaro and Norah Esko had fantastic games, they have really turned a corner this year. Phalyn did a great job in net stopping some amazing shots from the HW players. The whole defense was solid against a very skilled and potent offense."

 

Wahconah finishes the year 8-10.