Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!
“I know there are going to be some nerves,” La Salle striker Mariana Laquale said. “But I really think we can win it.”
The Skippers (17-1-0) won for the 16th straight time by withstanding some pressure from the Lions on set pieces in the opening half. They took the lead for good in the 18th minute when Alexa Barajas played June Merchant into space down the left wing. Merchant lined up a shot with her left foot that feathered just under the crossbar to make it 1-0.
“I was worried it would hit the crossbar,” Merchant said. “But it did what it was supposed to do, which was perfect.”
Barajas fired from the left wing into the top right corner of the cage to double the lead in the 59th minute. North Kingstown put it out of reach when Merchant served in a corner kick off the left and Maiali Rizzo was able to poke it home from close range. The Lions (10-8-1) fell a step short of their first finals appearance at the top level while the Skippers posted their 11th shutout of the season.
“Being able to run to our teammates after they score a goal like that makes it all worth it,” Bigelli said. “It’s my favorite part of playing.”
La Salle (17-2-0) managed the lone breakthrough five minutes after halftime. Mila Falcone drove down the left wing and turned the corner toward the near post. Her left-footed cross into a dangerous area found Laquale running down the middle, and she calmly redirected the ball with her right foot into the open side of the cage.
bkoch@providencejournal.com
On X: @BillKoch25
