By Jordan J. Michael

GUILDERLAND –– The Lady Dutch lacrosse team may not be as dominant as in years past, but it’s still winning games.

After jumping out to a 4-to-0 lead at home against Bethlehem on Tuesday afternoon, Guilderland played enough stingy defense in the second half to hold off a comeback by the Eagles. The final score was 7 to 4.

The Lady Dutch defense caused many turnovers and scooped up most of the ground balls in the zone. Guilderland committed its share of penalties, giving Bethlehem extra free chances, but the team didn’t seem too concerned.

“Bethlehem requires a few penalties because they are rough and tough,” said senior goaltender Amanda Santandrea after the game. “I encourage my defense to foul in certain situations because I’d rather have an eight-meter shot then one right in my face.”

“The defense has been our strong point so far and I knew it would be,” said Head Coach Gary Chatnik. Seniors Ally DeRizzo, Casey Gerety, Becky Glazier, Taylor Mead, and Marissa Page have been playing together for two or more years. “We never want penalties, but sometimes they can’t help it when they’re playing so hard.”

Junior Erin Mossop scored the first two goals for the Dutch, coming 17 minutes apart. Sophomore Shelby Iapoce scored on a free position to give her team a 3-to-0 lead.

“We lost some key players, but our focus is still on winning,” Mossop said. “We’re taking steps every day.”

Senior Kristen Cagino gave Guilderland a 4-to-0 lead when she streaked in and let a shot go that was saved by the Eagles’ Meghan Ladouceur, only to scoop up her own rebound and score on the doorstep.

Mossop told The Enterprise that Bethlehem might be Guilderland’s fittest competition this season. “They’re fast and you have to keep up with them in transition,” she said. “I thought our attack was a little slow today.”

Mossop added another goal for her third of the day on a curl around the goal early in the second half to make it 5 to 0. The Eagles finally got on the board with a high free position goal by Shirah Fudin. Cagino went on to score two more goals for three on the day, but, in between that, Fudin scored high past Santandrea again.

The Lady Dutch lead was cut to 7 to 4 after a few consecutive goals by Bethlehem. Cameron Caesar picked up a loose ball in front of the net and scored five hole while falling down, and Michelle Primomo fired a shot past Santandrea from a free position.

Santandrea tries not to remember the dreadful free position given to Farmingdale in the final seconds of last year’s state final. “I only get nervous when it takes a long time for the refs to set up the free shot,” she said. “I’d rather not wait.”

The Eagles didn’t even have an opportunity to get closer in the final minutes of Tuesday’s game because Guilderland retained possession for at least three minutes. The Dutch ran through defenders and passed the ball around in a circle, rendering its opponent helpless.

“I expect a lot of close games as we get our sticks in order,” Chatnik said. “We’ve hit the net a few times, but a more consistent offense won’t come till later.”

The Lady Dutch are 2-0 in the Suburban Council after beating Colonie, 18 to 7, last Thursday. The team is 2-1 overall after a non-league home loss to Canandaigua of Rochester on Saturday, 12-8. The team’s next game is Saturday at Ballston Spa.

“I see my team growing up and the defense playing terrific,” said Chatnik as the sun poked through the clouds on Tuesday. “We just need some more creativity from the offense.”