Top players, goalie to return next yr.

By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor

(May 19, 2023) The Worcester Prep Lady Mallards fought hard and kept the score close early, but Saints Peter and Paul’s top players took over to lead their team to an 18-5 victory in the girls’ lacrosse Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference championship game last Thursday in Easton.

“We came out with a lot of confidence, a lot of energy and a ‘nothingto-lose’ mentality. The game started as a very well-played, intense contest,” said Prep Coach Chris Williams. “Late in the first half, it was 6-4 Saints Peter and Paul and they called a timeout. We had the momentum. But much like the last time we played them and the score was close late in the first half, their star players kicked into another gear and went on a run.”

The Sabres led 12-4 at halftime. They outscored the visiting Mallards, 6-1 in the second half.

“There was a 10-minute window of play where they just pulled ahead and took over,” Williams said. “Our girls played their hearts out and should hold their heads high. They worked so hard this season.”

Freshman Caitlin Shimko scored two goals and had an assist for Worcester. Senior captain Caitlyn Hoen netted two shots, and senior Is- abella Borsoni tallied one.

Junior captain Caitlin Williams made 12 saves in goal for Worcester.

Worcester finished the regular season with a 7-5 record (7-6 overall).

“I thought the season went really well. We had a lot of tight, competitive games and the girls really showed mental toughness in pressure situations and we won almost all of the back-and-forth contests. And for most games, even in a loss, we improved from last season and kept the scores closer,” the coach said. “A 7-5 winning record was an improvement from last season. And with Saints Peter and Paul, we played them 3 times this year and each game was a bit closer than the last, so we definitely got better as the season went along.”

The team will graduate five players, all of whom Williams said will be missed.

“Two captains, Annie Carter and Caitlyn Hoen, will be big holes to fill not only on the field but with their leadership,” he added. “Ava Wilsey will be attending the Air Force Academy, and was a starter on midfield. Isabella Borsoni was a starting attacker, and Sarah Miller played key minutes off the bench.”

Several Mallards received awards for their performance this season. Carter, Williams, Shimko, junior

Claire Windrow and sophomore Emma Zajdel earned All-ESIAC accolades. Hoen was presented honorable mention distinction.

Williams was named co-Conference Player of the Year with Saints Peter and Paul’s Morgan Quade.

Williams recorded 123 saves during the 2023 season. She has tied the school record for career saves with 425, and the junior still has one season left. Williams shares the school record with Sophie Bandorick, who went on to play at East Carolina.

Williams presented team awards to: Caitlin Williams (MVP), Carter (Coach’s Award), Windrow (Most Valuable Teammate) and freshman Sydney Mize (Most Improved).

Despite losing some key players, Williams said he is looking forward to next season.

“We are returning our goalie, Caitlin Williams, who was named coConference Player of the Year. We also have some strong defenders coming back, and our top three point scorers from this season – Caitlin Shimko (33 goals, nine assists), Emma Zajdel (32 goals, four assists), and Laura Malinowski (17 goals, 18 assists). We had a lot of underclassmen playing key roles this season and got a lot of great experience. I’m excited for the future of Worcester Prep lacrosse.”