The culmination for Concord-Carlisle girls' lacrosse: history, and a Division 1 title to cherish
The Patriots' 8-6 victory over Westford Academy on Thursday at Babson College was the culmination of a steady climb toward high school lacrosse supremacy. For players like Denver-bound senior Karleigh Mutch, who elected to stay and play for their hometown, it was a milestone that felt like destiny.
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'This is literally what I've dreamed of since stepping foot at Concord-Carlisle High School,' Mutch said. 'It's everything I could have imagined and more. I said to my coach, this is literally why I played here. This is why I went to public school.'
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Sophomore Lindsay Cain paced the No. 1 Patriots (23-2) with three goals, and Mutch and sophomore Scarlett Mirak added two apiece. Alissa Bono anchored a strong defensive effort, and freshman goalie Mamie Kosicki fared admirably in the spotlight.
'It's amazing,' said Concord-Carlisle coach Erin Cash. 'It's better than the vision. It's better because I get to see all these guys and hear all these guys, that it's meant so much to them throughout the years.'
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Ohio State-bound standout senior Kassidy Carmichael led the No. 6 Ghosts (19-4) with three goals, and sophomore Mia Cullen tallied two.
The teams were tied, 4-4, at halftime, then Concord-Carlisle built a 7-5 edge through three. Westford, fresh off thrilling comebacks against No. 3 Lincoln-Sudbury and No. 2 Wellesley, cut it to 8-6 on a Cullen goal with 1:47 left.
'This team has heart,' said Westford coach Julie Olivier. 'I couldn't be more proud of them. I said this experience will serve you well in life. It's a game right now. You'll remember this in life.'
It felt like maybe, for a fleeting second, another comeback could be on the horizon. But Concord-Carlisle forced a critical turnover and Mutch ran out the clock, chucking the ball in the air.
For a program that continued to inch closer and closer year by year, this was the final step.
'This is just such a magical moment,' Bono said. 'It feels so great to win it, especially as a senior. I'm so proud of our team.'
Westford's Kassidy Carmichael (19) and Concord-Carlisle's Karleigh Mutch (22) chase a loose ball in the championship game.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
With unbridled joy and tears, Concord-Carlisle celebrated its banner night.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
Concord-Carlisle's Karleigh Mutch (22) carried the state championship trophy to the faithful.
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
A proud Westford coach Julie Olivier (right) told her players, "this experience will serve you well in life. It's a game right now. You'll remember this in life.'
Barry Chin/Globe Staff
Trevor Hass can be reached at
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