Archbishop Spalding opens the A Conference lacrosse season on a hot streak

By Nelson Coffin
nelson@iaamsports.com

There’s a lot to like about what’s happening with Archbishop Spalding’s lacrosse team this spring.

The Cavaliers have reeled off four straight wins to open the season, topping Mount de Sales Academy, 15-7, and Mercy, 13-6, before edging Maryvale, 12-11, at home.

A tough Friday road trip from Anne Arundel County to Bel Air ended with a 9-7 verdict over John Carroll to elevate Spalding to the top of the A Conference standings.

On Wednesday, the Cavaliers will host St. Mary’s for an evening battle at 6:30 p.m. at Whittles Field in Severn.

While every win is important, the triumph over Maryvale gives Spalding’s early-season résumé more gravitas.

“We put in a ton of preparation for that game,” Spalding coach Tara Restly said. “We made sure that there were things the girls needed to be aware of.”

Even a couple of key injuries have yet to slow down the Cavaliers’ hot start.

Much of the credit, Restly said, goes to senior defender Clare McGuire, who has played a major role in keeping the backline “on the same page” in front of sophomore goalie Ella Davis.

McGuire’s ability to organize the defense has made much easier for Davis, who has impressed Restly with her play in and out of the goal circle.

“She’s a lefty, who has been really good in the cage and out of it by making interceptions,” Restly said.

Florida commit Gabby Greene has had a major presence in the midfield, dodging from top of the arc to either score or create openings for her teammates.

"Gabby is one of the top finishers in the IAAM," Restly said. "She is a tough match for any team we face with her ability to score and create space."

Meanwhile, sophomore Isabella Ostrowski has taken on a huge role on the attack.

“She played a ton last year as a starter,” Restly said. “She has stepped up in every game. And she has the ability to keep doing that.”

Although she mentioned those four core players, Restly said that the entire team has been sharp so far this season.

“We have lots of people contributing,” she said. “The kids have worked really hard to prove that they can compete with anyone.”