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Jaguars storm to repeat title

Thursday, June, 06 By Jeff Hamrick

MANCHESTER — A mere three years old, the Windham girls lacrosse program already is associated with the D word.

And after winning its second consecutive Division III state championship last night, it isn't premature to begin talking dynasty.

Quicker to loose balls and better on most faceoffs, second-seeded Windham easily dispatched upstart and fifth-seeded Lebanon 21-12 before a full house at Southern New Hampshire University's Larkin Field.

"Actually, I can't think about anything past tonight," said junior Melissa Cino, who had four goals and a whopping seven assists. "I hope to come out (next year) and do it again, but who knows what's going to happen."

While the final score was a bit lopsided, Windham showed off its resiliency every time the Raiders (13-5) tried to rally. The Jaguars scored three goals in a span of 100 seconds to open a 6-3 lead midway through the first. Then after Lebanon cut its deficit to one, Windham ran off three consecutive to gain a four-goal advantage with 4:12 left before intermission.

The second half provided more of the same as Windham took command by scoring the first three goals of the frame in a 73-second stretch.

Then the rout began with six scores in fewer than five minutes. And when it was over, Ali Connors had piled up six goals, giving her 19 in three tournament matches, while Sam Crichton added four and Lexi Lewis and Courtney Sweeny each posted hat tricks.

A year after an undefeated 18-game season, Windham wasn't perfect again this time around, but its two losses were to Division I champion Pinkerton and Division II titlist Portsmouth. Among this year's 18 victims were perennial Division I power Londonderry and Billerica, a large-school MVC squad. In its three-year history, Windham has won 43 of its 53 matches (.811 winning percentage).

"The girls just get better and better every year," said coach Jill Bartlett, who will guide the program's move up to Division II next season. "They're enjoyable to be around every day ... but it feels even better to win it again.
"I think it might be a little too early to talk about a dynasty, but I feel we have a shot, and they'll make a good run next year."

Starting just three seniors in a lineup that included two freshman attackers (Lewis and Hope Curtis) and four sophomores, the Jaguars appear primed to continue their early success. Last night, underclassman accounted for all 21 goals. On the season, Windham outscored opponents 379-122 (19.9-6.4 per game) while tallying at least 20 goals 13 times and 18 or more 17 times.

But before you start thinking it's all about offense with this squad, don't forget Tori Cipollone, the junior goalie who posted five saves, including two tough stops in a 25-second span early in the second half when Lebanon still had comeback dreams. Jen Gaarder won 23 of the match's 35 faceoffs.