Cape girls’ lax beats Archmere 15-8 to win state championship
The strength of family ties within the Cape lacrosse community powers the program, and May 23 at Dover Stadium, it was “Ocean’s Eleven” as the girls from the beach defeated Archmere 15-8 to win their 11th consecutive state championship.
“We have such a supportive community and such great kids,” said coach Lindsey Eichner Underwood, who won her third straight state title to pile on top of the eight won by the Zen Master PJ Kesmodel.
Assistant coaches Leigh Rupar and Bruce Leibu echoed Underwood’s sentiments.
“Just a fun place to coach. The Cape girls just know how to compete,” said Rupar.
Cape started the season down two goalies, as Vienna Iacona elected not to play and Vivian Lynn broke her hand.
“Laci [Dixon] and Destiny [Kusen] stepped right in and we didn’t miss a beat,” said Leibu, the goalie coach.
Anna Frederick, a four-year Cape player who’s now a teacher and coach, said, “I am so lucky to be a part of this story. Just so many people to share it with.”
And coach Debbie Windett, former head coach at Wesley College, directed the JV team to a 13-1 record, totally crushing everyone in Delaware.
Cape jumped out to a 6-0 lead early in the game, ripping shots past stellar sophomore Maura Smeader, who stoned 11 shooters over the course of the game.
Seniors Chloe Schaffer and Alia Marshall went off, each scoring five goals, while Emily Monigle, back from a hobbled hoof, had three goals. Sawyer Walker and Meredith Lockwood each scored one.
Archmere kept grinding in the game. Down 11-4 at the half, they played Cape to a 4-4 game in the second half for the 15-8 final.
Frontline player Meghan Reilly scored four goals, while Jennifer Olsen and Caroline Donovan each scored two. They all showed up and played well.
Archmere, who reached the state final for the first time, finished the year with a record of 15-3. The Auks’ senior class had a four-year cumulative record of 55-12.
Cape finished the season 18-0 and extended the streak to 137 straight wins against Delaware side opponents. The Vikings posted unbeaten seasons in 2010, 2012 and 2019. Coach Lindsey Underwood’s three-year record is 51-3.
Along the fence - Players from the Class of 2018 wedged between the fence and stands to support players on the field. They included Mallory Jones, Annie Judge, Jody Boyer, Lindsay Monigle, Victoria Lockwood, Mary Grace Cannon, Kaylie Truitt, Katie Frederick and Carly Truitt. Cape baseball and boys’ lacrosse players were wearing the girls’ team’s blue jerseys.
