JV 7, Tesoro 5

Trabuco Hills Girls Lacrosse JV got help from an old friend against tollroad rival Tesoro Thursday night.

Mustang Midfielder Shannon Smith opened the game by owning the first draw but Tesoro got off the first two shots. Fortunately, the quick reaction time from veteran goalie Sam Ransom shut down both attempts.

Tesoro scored first, in the 6th minute, but Trabuco was able to answer quickly with a strong shot by Smith into the net. The rest of the half saw the teams trade goals with Jacqui Cronkrite scoring for the Mustangs before Tesoro regained the lead with 2 minutes left in the half, at 3-2.

Tesoro came out strong as the whistle blew to start the second half, scoring a goal in the first two minutes to pick up a two-goal lead. Smith answered back with a quick rebound goal. A Mustang turnover gave Tesoro the chance to get past Ransom and regain their two-goal lead. Irene Petruzzi and Kaylyn Voytilla both scored to push Trabuco back into the lead with just over 3 minutes left on the clock.

Smith once again owned the draw control, running the ball through 3 defenders to smash it into the back of the net. With a 6-5 lead, Trabuco junior Cronkrite sealed the lead with an insurance goal. Great defense in the last minute secured the second half comeback. It included a save from Ransom — last year’s JV goalie — taking her night’s total to 9 and two blocks from Kody Shelton and Gabi Bitting. Final score: Trabuco, 7-5.

Trabuco Hills took a total of 11 shots on goal, owned 9 of the 14 draw controls, and controlled 14 of the 17 ground balls.

Next: Trabuco Hills (9-2) hosts El Toro, Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.