Cape girls' lax beats Ursuline 17-4, makes top seed in state tournament
It’s not whether you win or lose the game, but the quality of your opponent that counts.
Cape girls' lacrosse closed out the regular season May 14 at Ursuline on Barley Mill Road, dominating the Raiders 17-4. Later that night, the tournament committee announced Cape as the No. 1 seed in the state tournament with a 10-5 record, which is the most losses for the top six teams in the tournament.
Cape lost five times, all to out-of-state teams with .700 winning percentages which earned them bonus points for tournament seeding.
“I really don’t care about seeding as long as we get a home game in the first round of eight," coach P.J. Kemsodel said after the game. "Today was a good, workman-like effort. It was good to see everyone play and so many kids play well.”
Cape is at the top of a bracket and will host Caesar Rodney at 7 p.m., Saturday, May 17. The winner of the Cape game will play the winner of Ursuline and once-beaten Caravel.
The other bracket has Archmere at the top. The Auks will host Tower Hill in the first round. The winner of that game will play the winner of Charter at Polytech.
The times and sites of semifinal matchups will be announced after Saturday’s winners are determined.
Cape rested draw specialist and midfielder Karalyn Joseph, who had a tender ankle. Cailey Thorburg and Alison Palmer took over draw control duties.
“They both did a great job, easily winning over 50 percent,” Kesmodel said. "Another great sign is Lexi Woodruff at full speed on attack. I told her, 'With your speed, if you are even with a defender, you are ahead, so keep going to the goal.' She opens up the offense for us.”
Cape trailed early in the game 2-1 but led at the half 11-3 and scored two quick goals in the second half for 13-3 lead and a running clock.
“Ursuline went to overtime to beat Charter, a neighborhood rival, just a day before and they just looked a little tired,” Kesmodel said. “Now it’s all about the second season, and after losing five games, trust me, we respect everyone we play."
Cape scoring leaders were Kat Judge 4, Lexi Woodruff 3, Allie Yeager 2, Sarah Tappan 2, Jordan Brown 2 with single goals by Cailey Thornburg, Taylor Gooch, Tess Bernheimer and Lizzie Frederick. Assists were Yeager 2, Judge, Brown, Woodruff and Frederick.
Ursuline goals came from Brooke Schmeusser 2, Erin Joyce 1, Laura Huff 1.
Sam Broadhurst had 10 saves for Cape while Erin Davis had 4 for the Raiders.
