Shaker girls’ lacrosse delivered a commanding 10-3 victory over undefeated Shenendehowa on Tuesday night at Brent T. Steuerwald Stadium in Clifton Park, marking a significant statement win for the Blue Bison. Both teams entered the matchup with untainted Suburban Council records, but it was Shaker’s stifling defense that truly defined the game, preventing Shenendehowa from finding their rhythm after a slow start.
Despite Shenendehowa drawing first blood and briefly cutting the deficit, Shaker responded with a decisive four-goal run in the second quarter, establishing a 6-1 halftime lead they never relinquished. The team’s resilience was highlighted by a resilient performance from the break, where Shenendehowa scored early in the third and fourth quarters, but Shaker answered each tally with interest, maintaining their high-pressure defensive tactics.
Players like senior attacker Libby Gialanella praised the team’s composed, controlled effort, contrasting it with past halves of games. Coach Joe Pollicino lauded the team’s ability to move the ball quickly and exploit space under Shenendehowa’s man defense, while coach Bobby Karl acknowledged the difficulty his team faced against Shaker’s aggressive, fast-paced style. The win solidifies Shaker’s position as a formidable force in the council.