The girls’ lacrosse team holds their number one spot in league after Friday’s win at home against Gunn with a final score of 8-5. Maya Benatar (‘16) scored a total of four goals and Meredith Kinnaman (‘16) blocked nine shots from going in.

Paly started off strong with Ellen Goncher (‘18) winning the opening draw and scoring two goals in the first four minutes of the game. After running half way down the field, Maya Benatar (‘16) scored putting them in the lead, 3-0.

After going back and forth, Benatar scored another goal. Gunn fought back and scored with six minutes left in the first half of the game. After charging halfway down the field, Gunn missed a chance and Kinnaman blocks their second try.

Charlotte Cheng (‘18) and Kylie Callan (‘16) scored two more goals, bringing the score up to 6-1. After Kinnaman blocked three shots in a row, Gunn was able to push through the defense and score twice. Paly switched to offense and Benatar scored another goal, ending the first half with a score of 7-3.

Gunn had control of the ball for the first two and a half minutes of the second half, however, Kaitlin Chiu (‘17) got the ball away from the goal. Gunn was the first to score in the second half after ten minutes of back and forth. Benatar then scored her fourth goal of the night, bringing the score to 8-4.

Halfway through the second half, a Gunn player was on the ground and had to be walked off with help from the trainer. Kinnaman blocked another shot, however Gunn was able to add another point, closing Paly’s strong lead.

Kinnaman defended the goal three more times, making sure Gunn wouldn’t come any closer to their score. Holly Tumminaro (‘16) was pushed to the ground with five minutes left in the game. Gunn got a hold of the ball after it was dropped in a pass from Paly and charged down the field. They failed to score which ended the game with a final score of 8-5.

Goncher commented on her team’s’ performance and how it feels to be undefeated and number one in league.

“There was a lot of momentum for us in the beginning of the first half and it slipped a little bit during the second half but we were able to pick it back up and keep control of our lead. It always feels good to beat Gunn and it’s nice being first.”

Girls’ lacrosse will play again at home on Friday at 7pm.