OAKLAND — The 2024 girls lacrosse season couldn’t have started better for EmaLeigh Aschbrenner.
The Brunswick head coach watched seven of her players tally goals on the way to a 13-5 victory over Messalonskee on a rainy Thursday night at Veterans Field.
The win was a welcome start for Brunswick, which lost eight seniors after a strong 2023 campaign that ended just a win shy of a Class B championship.
“It is a coach’s dream to see every girl out there to touch the ball and make a positive turn on it,” Ashbrenner said. “And getting away from a one-man offense. Brunswick is very much not a one-man offense. We haven’t been that for a while, but in past years we have been. That’s starting to change, and you could see that out there tonight.”
Emily Wallace tallied four goals for Brunswick (1-0). Cecelia Slocum also contributed with three goals, while Elizabeth Putnam and Alexa Scott each added two goals for the Dragons.
“Coach (said) we needed to come out today and start strong,” said Putnam, a senior attack and captain. “We work really well together as a team and set a good expectation for the season.”
The Eagles (0-1) were led by senior attack Emma-Jane Parsons, who scored all five of her team’s goals. The game was the first for Messalonskee under new head coach Cora Clukey.
Wallace tallied Brunswick’s first goal with eight minutes remaining in the first quarter, and the Dragons never looked back. Brunswick attacked the net early and often, looking constantly for the open shot. Putnam added both of her goals in the first period, while Kierstin Dinsmore, Solveig Ledwick and Scott each tallied goals to give Brunswick a 6-1 lead.
“I’m thrilled with this team,” Aschbrenner said. “I think a lot of people anticipated a rougher start for Brunswick, thinking we were losing eight strong seniors. But we had eight strong girls that can fill in those positions. I’m super impressed with the depth of this team, and the versatility of these players.”
Scott Wallace and Slocum each tallied scores in the second quarter, giving Brunswick a 9-2 halftime lead.
“We have a lot more goals getting the ball in the back of the net this year, which is awesome to see,” Putnam said. “Everybody is improving. It’s just fun. We’re all working together as a team and it’s nice to get everyone involved.”
Messalonskee continued to show fight throughout the game. Parsons notched three goals in the second half, and the Eagles showed improved defensive play.
“It was a little bit of a slow start, we’ve could have connected on some passes,” Clukey said. “But there were some good things. Once our offense started playing defense, we (created) some turnovers, which is great. … We’ve got to do better on ground balls.
“(Parsons) is definitely a leader, especially for the offense and in the midfield,” Clukey continued. “I think we have a few other talented people who just need to gain some confidence.”
Slocum scored two goals in the fourth quarter to help put the game away for the Dragons.
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