Skip to main content

Palmyra beats C. Dauphin for 1st time on senior day


play
Show Caption


PALMYRA – Despite losing three of its last four games, the Palmyra girls lacrosse team finds itself in a position it’s been striving for since the program’s inception – a shot at a division title.

Knowing what was in front of them, the Cougars knew they had to find a way to shake off this bump in the road if they’re going to prove themselves worthy to take the division crown.

There would be no better way to build some momentum much needed for this last leg of the year than winning one for the seniors on Senior Day, against a team Palmyra had never beaten in its young history.

Though it wasn’t perfect, the Cougars did just that, hanging on for a 20-18 victory over the Rams (11-4, 2-2) Tuesday at the In The Net Complex.

With the win, Palmyra (9-5, 3-1) stays a half game behind first-place Hershey in the MPC Keystone.

Cougars coach Jennifer Lutz says a win like this is certainly momentous for her team to turn the corner.

“I think it makes a statement for Palmyra girls lacrosse that we are competitive and we can play with any team,” Lutz said.

One of the four seniors honored, Cheyenne Sprecher, and junior Nikki Bowman accounted for virtually all of the Cougars' offense, combining for 17 of the 20 Palmyra goals.

And they both were obviously thrilled to reach an accomplishment like this.

“It feels great because we were really close last year to beating them,” Bowman said. “This time we finally pulled it off and worked as a team. It’s incredible.”

“It’s exciting. We know they’re a highly respectable team,” Sprecher said. “Coming in, I feel like we were a little timid. This is not just my senior day. It’s for all of us. We’re all celebrating all the years we put in hard work. It’s a great feeling beating them.”

Bowman recorded 10 points (9 goals, 1 assist), while Sprecher scored eight goals.

“I was just feeling the fire,” Bowman said. “Everything just went in.”

“We played so good. I’m so proud of our team,” Sprecher said. “It’s fun playing with Nikki because we both feed off each other. We just find each other really well.”

Seniors Katelyn Mark and Hannah Marx also found their way on the score sheet - Mark scored a goal, while Marx recorded three points (goal, 2 assists). Junior Paige Frye also had a goal.

For the senior group, that also includes Clare Krikorian, Lutz couldn’t be prouder of their commitment to a growing program.

“All four our of seniors are our leaders,” Lutz said. “I can’t say enough about their accomplishments, so far this year and over the last three years, particularly getting Palmyra girls lacrosse on the map.”

Though it’s tempting to focus on what could become a memorable ending to the season, Lutz says it’s important now for her team to keep focus on the task at hand.

“We focus on one game at a time. We don’t look too far ahead,” Lutz said. “Our next game is with Cedar Crest, so we’ll come into practice looking for a game plan for Thursday, and then we have a make-up game with Trinity on Monday. We’ll look for Hershey next week.”

But the Cougars know what a feeling it would be to realize their goal.

“It’d be outstanding. It’d be an amazing accomplishment, especially for our seniors,” Lutz said. “It’s something that would be great for the program.”