Dutch go back to the finals
The Enterprise — Jordan J. Michael
Cara Quimby scored 12 goals against Saratoga on Wednesday to set a new Guilderland lacrosse record for most goals scored in a single game. Here, Quimby charges after the ball. The Dutch (13-4) play Shenendehowa (14-3) in the Class A finals next week.
GUILDERLAND — Sports doesn’t come with any guarantees but, when late May arrives every year here, the Guilderland girls’ lacrosse team is playing in the finals.
Guilderland will make its 10th consecutive appearance in the Section 2 Class A finals next Wednesday evening at the University of Albany. Since 2006, the Dutch have won five championships — in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2013.
Yesterday’s 18-to-9 disposal of Saratoga in the semifinals secured another title shot for Guilderland. Senior Cara Quimby punctured the nets with 12 goals, which set a new all-time record for goals scored by a single Dutch player in one game; the previous mark was 10.
After Wednesday’s win, Quimby paid little attention to her new scoring record. “I’m all about the team,” she said. “Whenever an opportunity comes to finish, I’m going to make sure that I finish for my team.”
When a player takes over a game like that, Guilderland Head Coach Carrie Britt said, she is usually driving for scores. In Quimby’s case, she was just open, and her teammates found her.
“She was fed because she kept her feet moving,” Britt said of Quimby. “At one point, she threw a stick fake so big that everyone thought she had shot it.”
Quimby, who will play lacrosse for Syracuse University next year, had eight goals by halftime on Wednesday. After the game, she was aware of her feat, but extremely excited and happy that Guilderland has another chance to win a championship.
“There’s a lot on the table,” Quimby said of next week’s title game against Shenendehowa; Guilderland lost to Shen, 11 to 9, earlier in the season. “We have the heart, we want it so bad, and we’re going to give everything that we can.”
Britt said that Guilderland’s success over the last decade is a testament to all the kids, parents, and coaches, and how they all work together. It starts at the top with Athletic Director Regan Johnson, Britt said, and then goes down from there.
“Everyone is on the same page,” said Britt. “We promote competition, and we promote the kids. We always know what’s going on.”
Guilderland girls’ lacrosse has spent years building a strong establishment of values, respect, and competition. Britt says the varsity players spend time getting to know the younger players on the junior-varsity and modified teams. This boosts overall self-esteem.
“It really matters,” said Britt. “Everybody wants it to stay strong.”
For more photos from Wednesday, click here.