Highland’s girls’ lacrosse team trailed by many goals Thursday in the first half at Monroe-Woodbury before an 8-6 Crusader lead dissolved to a tie with goals by Highland’s Eliz Fino and Nicole Iapoce.

But that’s where the momentum ended for the Huskies. The Crusaders opened up with a 10-1 run in the second half as the Huskies tried to slow the runaway. Fino and Iapoce again scored late in second half before the Crusaders defeated the Huskies 20-14.

“We had a slow first half and came back at the end,” said Kim Caso.
Highland has a new defense, and Caso said a head injury incurred by the defense in the first half may have contributed to the Crusaders’ strong second half.

Fino led Highland with nine goals, and Iapoce had five goals. Tasheca McGhie made 14 saves for Highland, which dropped to 1-1.

“We’ll be back tomorrow,” said Caso, prior to the team boarding a bus for a long drive home up the Thruway.

On Saturday, the Huskies hosted Kingston and fell by the same 20-14 score.
“This was a really rough game,” Caso said. “Highland was down players from injury and senior class trips, only one sub. Kingston came out strong and dominated the field the entire day. Highland played well considering the girls were exhausted.

Fino led Highland in scoring with nine goals and four assists, while Iapoce had five. Emma Beck had two assists, while goalie Tasheca McGhie recorded 12 saves for the Huskies.