Girls Lacrosse: Falcons Win County Showdown, Outlast Palmyra in Rain-Soaked Battle

As cold rain fell over the valley on Saturday, the much-anticipated girls lacrosse matchup between Palmyra and Cedar Crest took center stage. With the host Cougars having won six of their last seven games and the visiting Falcons having won seven of their last eight, both teams entered the game with momentum and plenty on the line.  This game went well beyond a rivalry between Lebanon County’s only girls lacrosse teams, as both programs are solidly in the District 3 playoff picture. It was also broadcast as part of the LebCo Sports Live series, powered by YG Productions and LebCoSports.com (replay link below).

Cedar Crest shocked the Cougars by jumping out to a 4-0 lead, but Palmyra quickly regrouped to tie the game as fast-paced action was on the menu throughout the first quarter, which ended in a 4-4 tie. Palmyra then struck first in the 2nd quarter to take a 5-4 lead, but Cedar Crest stopped the bleeding shortly after and snatched the lead back. From there, the teams continued to battle, with the Falcons carrying a slim 7-6 advantage into halftime.

In the 3rd quarter, Cedar Crest came out much like it had to start the game, scoring three unanswered goals early to create separation. By the start of the 4th quarter, the visitors were up 11-7 and had forced Palmyra to play from behind once again.

The 4th quarter saw the two teams trade goals throughout, but Cedar Crest was able to break through for two additional goals in the final minute to stretch the advantage out to six. When the final whistle sounded, the Falcons had earned a 15-9 victory in one of the most highly anticipated Lebanon County matchups of the spring.

Avery Lechleitner helped lead the Cedar Crest attack with five goals and two assists, while Samantha Brown added four goals and two assists. Bella Paquette was also a major factor with three goals and three assists, giving the Falcons several options as they worked to maintain control in a back-and-forth game.

Addie Fulkerson added two goals and an assist for Cedar Crest, while Olivia Ryland, Katie McCracken, and Star Simaska also contributed to the Falcons’ offensive production. McCracken had an assist, while Simaska added one as Cedar Crest finished with 10 assists as a team.

For Palmyra, Ava Lantz delivered a huge all-around performance with four goals, one assist, and 10 draw controls. Grace Frew added two goals, while Megan Isett, Ella Detwiler, and Lily Ferretti each found the back of the cage as the Cougars continued to battle against Cedar Crest’s early runs.

Defensively, Vi Bierman, who recently made her 300th career save, made seven saves in goal for Cedar Crest, while the Falcons also held a 17-0 advantage in draw controls according to the team stats. For Palmyra, Savannah Epler made 11 saves, helping keep the Cougars within striking distance during a game that featured long stretches of fast-paced action.

If Saturday proved anything, it is that the action that unfolded showed both teams could make strong postseason pushes. Cedar Crest improved to 10-3 and will host Ephrata on Monday. Palmyra moved to 10-4 and will host Gettysburg on Tuesday.

Cedar Crest 15, Palmyra 9

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Make those long bleacher days a little more comfortable.

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Cedar Crest Leaders

Scoring
Avery Lechleitner: 5 goals, 2 assists
Samantha Brown: 4 goals, 2 assists
Bella Paquette: 3 goals, 3 assists
Addie Fulkerson: 2 goals, 1 assist
Olivia Ryland: 1 goal
Katie McCracken: 1 goal, 1 assist
Star Simaska: 1 assist

Goalie
Vi Bierman: 7 saves

Palmyra Leaders

Scoring
Ava Lantz: 4 goals, 1 assist, 10 draw controls
Grace Frew: 2 goals
Megan Isett: 1 goal, 2 assists
Ella Detwiler: 1 goal, 1 assist
Lily Ferretti: 1 goal

Goalie
Savannah Epler: 11 saves