Cape girls' lax handles Caesar Rodney 20-6, moves to semis to face Ursuline

Cape girls' lacrosse didn’t win five straight state championships by losing focus or not having a plan. On May 17 at Champions Stadium, the Vikings played the 7 p.m. game, the last of four on a crazy opening-round day that earlier saw Archmere survive a seven-goal comeback by Tower Hill to win 13-12; Caravel relinquish a five-goal, second-half lead, then lose to Ursuline in overtime 18-17; and Polytech drop a home game to Charter 13-9.

“Forget the game earlier; this is the second season and a whole new game," coach P.J. Kesmodel told his team as they took the field

Cape responded by playing everyone while mostly resting some key performers including draw specialist Karalyn Joseph, who is rehabbing a tender ankle.

Cape won the game 20-6 as junior Sarah Tappan scored her 100th goal. The Vikings will play Ursuline at 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 20, at Dover in a semifinal game. Cape beat the Raiders on the road just last week 17-4.

“I have always said the semifinals is the toughest game,” Kesmodel said. "We beat Saint Mark’s 9-8 in 2009 and Tower Hill 9-8 in 2010. Once you reach the final, you just go out and play and enjoy the experience.”

Cape outshot Caesar Rodney 36-17 as both goalies had good games. CR's Kaitlyn Longest had 6 saves and Cape's Sam Broadhurst had 7.

Cape’s goal scorers were Allie Yeager 4, Sarah Tappan 4, Kat Judge 3, Jordan Brown 2, Lizzie Frederick 2, and single goals from Karissa Lemaire, Korrine Lemaire, Alison Palmer, Tess Bernheimer and Lexi Woodruff.

Cape assists were Allie Yeager 2, Lizzie Frederick 2, Kat Judge, Sarah Tappan, Jordan Brown and Lexi Woodruff.

Caesar Rodney goals came from Kourtney Olsen and Delaney Steele each with 2 and Abigail Wearden and Jenna Rigby. Olsen had 2 assists and Steele had 1.