Bellefonte and MC girls lacrosse battle early; Lady Raiders muscle out the victory

By Kenny Varner Jr.
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Updated: April 1, 2022

By Kenny Varner

BELLEFONTE – It was a take of two up and coming teams Friday when the very young MIfflin County girls lacrosse team traveled to Bellefonte to play a very high-powered Red Raider team in a tough battle.

After a close contest early on, the Red Raiders finished with a late run in the first half that would set things in motion for an early second half scoring point en route to a 13-7 victory.

“We talked at half time about settling our offense down a bit to control the clock and make more deliberate action toward the goal rather than fall into the hectic pace of the first half. Our QB Elle Macafee then slowed down the approach and was able to find Molly McKee on several cuts to the goal with quick-stick scores,” said Bellefonte coach Doug McKee. “Once we had a little separation we were able to really fine tune our attack.

”I can’t be more proud of our team and the direction we’re heading. The whole team has bought in to our approach and have been aided by the sophomore and freshmen classes. We’ve worked really hard in the offseason and in practice and it’s paying off.”

After a quick stop on the game’s first possession, the Huskies defense cleared the ball to its offense.

Mifflin County opened the game quickly posting the first goal of the game.

Mara Gallo got a blast past the Bellefonte goalie to make it a 1-0 advantage.

But the Red Raiders were able to battle right back minutes later.

Ella Macafee knotted it at one at the 21:01 mark.

After taking the next passion on a win at the mid circle, the Red Raiders took the lead for the first time when Makena Lake put her name in the scoring column.

Minutes later, MIfflin County fought right back. Sadie Fike broke free of her defender a blasted it on a smoking shot, giving the Huskies back the lead.

Mifflin County went back to the well again. This time Monica Druckemiller was able to complete a difficult shot in circle to put her team up 3-2.

After taking the lead over the Red Raiders with 14:24 left in the first, Bellefonte took a time out to regroup.

“This is only their third year of playing. I’m really happy with how they played. They have a lot of the skills to be here,” said MIfflin County coach Theresa Lamont. “We saw that going neck and neck with Bellefonte. We came out right away. They put an extra player down on the restraining line. That’s a compliment to us. They knew we were going to come out as a strong attack. So know that they recognize the strength of our program. We are like friendly foes.”

Coming out of the break, MIfflin County tried to keep momentum on their side.

Bellefonte came out and went right to work. Macafee went right to the heart of the Huskies defense and tickled the twine, cutting the MIfflin County lead to 4-3.

With the clock winding down to the 10-minute mark Macafee tied the contest with yet another shot finding its way through causing the Huskies to call a time out.

Bellefonte spread out the scoring as they saw that Macafee was covered, they went to Molly McKee. McKee did not disappoint as she blasted a shot along the side of the goal, giving them their first lead since early in the first.

Despite both teams having a very up-tempo offense, Bellefonte seemingly had a step on the feisty Huskies defense as they added two late goals to go into the intermission leading 7-4. The goals were from Makena Lake and McKee.

Coming out of the second half, the Lady Raiders continued its scoring run.

Bellefonte struck first when Ava Bressler sent a sizzling shot through, extending the Bellefonte lead to four.

The scoring surge continued as McKee added yet another.

But MIfflin County battled back when Fike ended the Bellefonte scoring run with another goal of her own, cutting it to a 9-5 deficit.

But Bellefonte would continue to keep the control of the game outscoring MIfflin County 4-2 the rest of the way for the hard fought victory.