GC Girls Lacrosse wins Woodstick Classic

One of the most highly anticipated matchups in Long Island girls lacrosse took place this past Saturday, May 6. Garden City faced off against Manhasset on their home turf for the annual Woodstick Classic.

The stakes were elevated, and each team was determined to emerge victorious. For the past four years, Manhasset has walked away from this annual tradition with the plaque in hand. Garden City headed into the game on Saturday determined to end Manhasset’s winning streak and to gain the plaque back for themselves.

The game kicked off at 1 p.m. and Garden City wasted no time getting themselves on the scoreboard. Senior captain Grace Hopkins scored the first goal of the game with an assist from Maureen Arendt. A few moments later, Grace Hopkins assisted Maureen Arendt to give Garden City a 2-0 lead. Senior captains Marie Cacciabaudo and Katie Gaven each added a goal to give Garden City a 4-0 lead. Kyle Finell also added two goals to the scoreboard. At halftime, Garden City was leading 7-3.

Manhasset came back stronger during the second half and scored the first three goals of the half to make it a one goal game. Junior goalie Niamph Pfaff played lights out during the contest and had a total of 16 saves. Junior defender Mabel Overbeck’s incredible quickness on defense enabled her to clear the ball up the field to the offense. One of the most crucial plays of the game was when, with less than a minute left in regulation, Marie Cacciabaudo got a ground ball in the offensive zone to preserve possession for the Trojans. After run- ning the clock down, Kendal Morris scored the final goal to secure Garden City’s win over Manhasset. Emotion of excitement and happiness took over Garden City when the final whistle blew. The game ended in a 8-6 victory for the Trojans! Garden City proved their strength, toughness, and ability to succeed in important and high intensity games. All vital traits for a successful playoff season, which will begin next Friday, May 19. Garden City had not won the Woodstick since 2017 and this win not only marks a pivotal moment for this team’s success, but for the future of Garden City girls lacrosse as well.