WYOMING — Several games into the girls lacrosse season, Wyoming Area was still searching for its first win. The Warriors came close a few times, but were never able to get over the hump. On Monday, Pittston Area was also looking for its first win.
Something had to give.
The Patriots and Warriors met at Tenth Street Elementary. Thanks to a late push by the Warriors and a loose ball recovery and goal from senior Jordan Kelly, Wyoming Area came out on top 10-8 in the battle of cross-river rivals.
Claudia Waltz and Caitlin Butchko scored four goals for the Warriors, while Kelly added two goals and one assist. Butchko said the Warriors have been waiting for this game all season.
“This win means everything,” she said. “We came out and played hard. We played as a team and this is something we’ve been waiting for since last season.”
Wyoming Area opened up a 5-1 lead just before halftime and the Warriors seemed to be in control heading into the intermission. However, Pittston Area’s Bailey Jordan scored for the Patriots in the final minute to cut the deficit to three goals.
Following the break, the two teams traded three goals and the Warriors found themselves up 8-5 midway through the second half. That’s when the Patriots started their comeback.
“We got caught on our heels a couple times and let them back in it,” Wyoming Area coach Carl DeLuca said. “Once we got to five minutes we wanted to slow it down.”
However, the Warriors started to slow things down with about 11 minutes to play, DeLuca said. That’s when Pittston Area’s Dana Zalewski and Jordan made their push.
Jordan knocked one in with five minutes to play to make it 8-6 in favor of the Warriors. After Waltz poured in a goal for the Warriors, Zalewski scored two goals in less than a minute to put the Patriots within one.
“It was something we’ve been doing all season,” Pittston Area coach Nicole Tieso said. “If we played as strong in the first half the outcome could have been different. I’m very proud of them. They never give up.”
Kelly would eventually lead the Warriors to the win. Zalewski’s second goal came with two minutes to play and the Patriots didn’t have many chances after that. In front of the Wyoming Area net, Kelly was able to scoop up a loose ball and take it to the net. She scored for the first time since the first minute of the game and put the contest out of reach.
“She’s one of my captains and one of our leaders,” DeLuca said of Kelly. “She knew we had to control the ball and when it opened up she saw the lane. I always wanted to get up by two and that did it.”
Wyoming Area’s Jess Walkowiak made 11 saves and the Warrior defense limited the Patriots. Brooklyn Pedana made six saves for Pittston Area.
“We wanted this game more than anything,” Butchko said. “It really boosts our confidence for the rest of the season and gives us a good head going into future games.”
Coughlin 15, Wyoming Area 8
On Wednesday, Wyoming Area fell to Coughlin, 15-8.
Crestwood 12, Pittston Area 2
Pittston Area’s Anna McDermott and Baily Jordan provided the offense for the Patriots with one goal each on Thursday. Brooklyn Pedana made 11 saves for Pittston Area.
Lake-Lehman 19, Pittston Area 7
Pittston Area’s Dana Zalewski and Bailey Jordan each scored three goals in a loss to Lake-Lehman on Wednesday. Anna McDermott added the other goal for the Patriots.
What’s next
Pittston Area will host its Senior Day on Monday, May 2 against Tunkhannock. Game time is 4:15 p.m. and the Senior Day presentation will be held at halftime. The Patriots the host Wyoming Seminary and Hazleton Area on Thursday and Friday, respectively.
Wyoming Area travels to Tunkhannock on Wednesday and Crestwood on Thursday.
