**Council Rock North Women's Lacrosse Triumphs in Season Opener Against Phoenixville**

In a thrilling season opener, the Council Rock North Women’s Lacrosse team squared off against the Phoenixville Phantoms in an away game that set the tone for an exciting year ahead. Last season, the Phantoms had suffered a heartbreaking 2-point loss to the Indians in the PIAA semifinals, and they came out firing in this year’s opener, eager to avenge that defeat.

The Phantoms wasted no time, charging ahead with an early 3-0 lead. Their intensity seemed unstoppable until a critical timeout taken by Coach Noseworthy gave the Indians a much-needed chance to regroup. After the break, the defense, led by senior captain and goalkeeper Lucy Carney, made a dramatic shift in momentum.

Carney, who anchored the defense, was backed by fellow captains Kiely Lyons and Abby Steadman, whose tight marking and constant communication helped stymie the Phantoms’ attack. As the defense settled in, the offense found their rhythm. With just minutes left in the first half, Council Rock North managed to close the gap. Cat McBride found the back of the net, and shortly thereafter, Ellie Carney scored another goal, cutting the Phantoms' lead to just one as the teams headed into halftime.

The second half began with the same fierce intensity, but this time it was all North. Dominating the draw circle, the Indians controlled possession, thanks to stellar performances from Ellie Carney, Olivia Esposito, and Cat McBride, who won every draw in the second half.

Olivia Esposito proved to be a force, tallying one goal, two ground balls, and four draw controls. Ellie Carney added a goal, an assist, and five draw controls, showcasing her all-around skills. Meanwhile, McBride had a standout game, scoring three goals, one assist, and collecting four ground balls to go with six draw controls.

The Indians’ attack was further fueled by the breakout performance of Gabby Mann, who ran the offense with poise, contributing one goal, three assists, and a ground ball. Her vision and ability to create plays were pivotal in opening up scoring opportunities for her teammates.

The defense remained impenetrable throughout the second half, with Lucy Carney’s incredible 70% save percentage helping to deny Phoenixville any further goals. Abby Steadman, Kiely Lyons, and Addison Deppi were key contributors, with Deppi adding an assist and two ground balls to her defensive duties. Ella Gearhat played a crucial role in shutting down the Phantoms' offense in the final stretch.

As the game neared its conclusion, a cherry on top came when Jordy Zazoff sealed the victory with a seventh goal, putting the game out of reach for Phoenixville.

The Indians’ 7-3 win marks a strong start to the season, as they demonstrated grit, adaptability, and a deep roster of talent on both sides of the ball. Coach Noseworthy's halftime adjustments and the dominant performances from key players like McBride, Carney, and Mann ensure that Council Rock North will be a force to reckon with this season.