GUILDERLAND — Three games, three impressive wins for the Guilerland girls’ lacrosse team to open the season.

The Lady Dutch beat Niskayuna to open the season last week and followed up that vicotry with a huge win over Fayetteville-Manlius High School and then beat Shaker High School.

The win on Saturday could prove to be the biggest of the young season. The Lady Dutch beat the Section III powerhouse 9-8. Fayetteville-Manlius was the runner up in the state tournament last year and won the state title the previous two years.
"What a game," said Guilderland Coach Gary Chatnick. "They are one of the best teams in the country, but we played with the same intensity as they came out with. There were several times we could have folded, but our team kept battling."

"Heck of a night"

Guilderland led Saturday’s game, 6-4, at halftime but later fell behind, 8-7, late in the game.

Sophomore Bridget Daley tied the score with 3:28 left in the game and Danielle Tetreault scored the winner with 2:07 left in the game.

Guilderland then stopped a fast break and ran out the clock for the win.
"I am not sure if we ever played anyone with that intensity," Chatnick said. "They were all over us, but our players responded. We also got stronger as the game went on. We have been conditioning well and it showed.
"Our defense, once again, played excellent," Chatnick added. "Nikki Branchini, Julie Malkowski, and Lynn Tran again had an outstanding game. Our midfield and attack were all over the ball, causing numerous turnovers."

Tetreault led the Lady Dutch with three goals. Branchini, Chelsey Newman, Daley, Amanda Best, Courtney Davis, and Abbey Fashouer each added a goal. Best, Newman, Davis, and Tetreault each had an assist.

Jen Kaye made six saves in goal for Guilderland.
"Kaye made several key saves," Chatnick said. "Lauren Cagino had a heck of a night, causing turnovers and clearing the ball. Laura Decker, Amy Branchini, and Corinne Chatnick also gave us key minutes; they had an excellent game."

Wacking the Warriors

Against Niskayuna last Wednesday, was the first contest of the season for the Lady Dutch.

Davis and Newman, a ninth-grader, each scored two goals to lead Guilderland to a 7-4 win over the Silver Warriors.

Sophomores Jen Madsen and Tetreault each added a goal as did senior captain Branchini. Best had two assists and Tetreault had one for the Lady Dutch.

Kaye, a senior, made five saves in net for Guilderland.
"This was a great way to open the season," said Chatnick. "Niskayuna is an excellent team and one of the top teams in the area. Holding them to four goals is quite a feat. Our defense played great, causing many turnovers.
"Seniors Julie Malkowski and Lynn Tran led the defense," Chatnick added. "I cannot say enough about the leadership of Julie and Lynn which, along with their outstanding play, really solidifies our defense. Junior Lauren Cagino was an integral part of the defense and the rotation of Amy Branchini, Corrine Chatnick, and Laura Decker was very successful in holding Niskayuna to four goals. All of our underclassman played older than they are. It was a great team effort."

Shunning Shaker

Guilderland beat Shaker, 15-8, on Tuesday night at the University at Albany’s John Fallon Field.

Branchini scored five goals to lead the Lady Dutch. Madsen, Fashouer, and Newman each tallied two scores. Best and Cagino each had a goal for Guilderland.

Madsen, Tetreault, Best, and Daley had assists in the contest for the Lady Dutch.

Kaye made six saves in goal and Amanda Santandrea made three for the Lady Dutch.
"They are playing very well together," Chatnick said of his team. "Everyone stepped up and we continue to build our confidence with efforts like this. It is a long season, but this is a very good start for us."

The Lady Dutch play Lakeland of Section I today (Thursday) at the University at Albany and then travel to Herkimer Community College to take on Liverpool. The Dutch return to Section II play on Monday at Averill Park and Wednesday at Saratoga.