Through adversity, Indians win overtime thriller to advance to third round
Jun 12, 2022
Senior Captain Sorelle Lawton (center) jumps for joy following her overtime winning goal against Burlington. Photos by: Christopher Shea
Sophomores Grace Haskell and Kayla McGee chase down a Burlington player.
Haskell shares a hug with senior Kathleen Lamothe.
Freshman Katherine Cheesebro tries to get the offense started.
The sideline was full of emotion following a call that went in the Indians favor.
Officials go over the overtime rules with the coaches and captains.
Thanks to one goal, the Dartmouth High girls lacrosse team is now in the Elite Eight for the first time in program history.
The fourth-seeded Indians won 10-9 in a hard-fought overtime thriller over No. 11 Burlington on Saturday to move on to the third round of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association Division 2 tournament.
“It’s crazy,” said Head Coach Nicole Simas. “That is one of the best teams we have seen. They did everything right, but we really grinded.”
It was a back-and-forth affair between the playoff teams, with the Indians and Red Devils ending the half tied up at 5.
Teams would continue to trade goals to start the second half, but Burlington would have the first stable lead following a controversial goal with around 15 minutes left in regulation.
“I thought it was a dangerous propel, but whatever,” Simas said. “But we weren’t going to harp on it. It’s about moving forward.”
Thankfully for the Indians, the senior-led squad bounced back following two late goals from Captain Sorelle Lawton, who battled through several hits from the Red Devils on both sides of the field.
While there was some pain, she said it’s nothing she hasn’t overcome before.
“You just have to get back up,” Lawton said with a smile.
The Red Devils had one last chance to put the game away in the final minute but were stopped by a crucial save from senior goalkeeper Molly Rioux.
Despite the pressure, Rioux said she was ready for the moment.
“It comes down to fierceness,” she said.
Once Dartmouth forced the overtime, the team knew they would leave Memorial Stadium the victors.
“We wanted it,” said senior Meredith Syliva, who had the key draw to kick off overtime. “We were going to do anything for the goal.”
Not long after that draw, Lawton fired the winning shot.
“Everyone stepped up,” she said. “It changes the game.”
It’s that resiliency and chemistry Simas said she hopes the Indians will continue to do in the next round.
“Just trust each other, and we’ll be okay,” Simas said.
The Indians next play against No. 3 Bedford on Tuesday, June 14 in the Round of Eight.
