Playoff Lacrosse: Annandale Boys and Girls Sweep Lee

By Greg Young
Annandale High School Student, DigitalSports Intern

Goalie was not the most eventful position in Annandale's sweep over Lee on Thursday.

The goal keepers for Annandale -- senior Kevin McCracken, junior Anita Obasi and freshman Emma Barker -- found themselves standing around waiting for action while watching the rest of their teammates dominate possession, ground balls and shots-on-goal. As a result, the Atoms' girls and boys lacrosse teams eased to a pair of No. 1 vs.No. 8 seed victories over visiting Lee, 21-6 and 16-4, respectively.  

"Its definitely relaxing," said McCracken who didn't need to make any saves in the first quarter and only had two in the second quarter. "But you still have to keep the defense focused, and its good practice to go hard every time you play."

In the boys game, senior attacker Matt Johnson (5 goals,1 assist) led the charge as the Atoms jumped out to a 13-2 lead at half time. The fast start allowed Annandale to rest their starters for a majority of the second half.  

"It was really important to get off to a good start," said senior attacker David Waiter, who netted one goal.  "We took our time with the ball, and when the defense gave us an opportunity to shoot, we took it."

The next opponent for Annandale's boys is West Springfield, which defeated the Atoms, 8-7, earlier in the year. The two teams will square off at Hayfield at 7 p.m. on Monday.
 
"We know we can beat [the Spartans]," said senior midfielder Zach Sells.  "We've just got to play our game, win the ground ball battle and show some composure."

The Annandale girls, meanwhile, got off to an equally hot start, scoring 11 straight goals to jump to an 12-2 advantage by half time. The Atoms were led by junior midfielder Meredith Rutherford, who scored six goals, and sophomore midfielder Kelly O'Brien with three.

"It was important to come out strong," O'Brien said. "We had great teamwork, we looked for the open player and we talked a lot on the field."
       
The girls' next opponent is Lake Braddock, which the Atoms defeated 11-7 earlier this season. The game will be played at Lee at 5 p.m. on Monday.

"We've been working really hard this season not based on who we play, but how we want to play," Annandale Coach Cindy Hook said. "The team definitely took this game seriously.

"Everyone is a contributor this year and it gives us great, quality depth. We've been aiming for a winning feeling all year, and that involves playing together and unselfishly."
    
BOYS
Saves: Lee 18, Annandale 3
Face-offs: Annandale 13, Lee 8

GIRLS
Saves: Lee 10, Annandale 5
Face-offs: Annandale 15, Lee 8