St. Paul girls lacrosse plays, wins first state tournament game

Junior captain Ashley Suzio (33) takes off downfield with the ball during Tuesday's
Class S first round game against Lewis Mills in Burlington. (Copyright, Sports on CT-69)

It seemed fitting that St. Paul girls lacrosse would win its first state tournament game against a Western Connecticut Lacrosse Conference rival.
The Falcons took down the Spartans 13-7 in their first-ever state tournament appearance, a Class S first round game at Lewis S. Mills High School in Burlington. No. 9 seed St. Paul (12-6) will play top-seeded North Branford (16-2, first round bye) today at 3:45 p.m. in North Branford.
St. Paul and Lewis Mills split their regular season meetings and the final goal tally was 17-17. Tuesday was a different day, with much significance.
The Falcons faced the Spartans for the third time, and the home team's fans and boys lacrosse team were out in full support. Lewis Mills lacrosse as a whole wanted a win over St. Paul after the WCLC final, where the Spartans lost 18-16 to the Falcons.

One of Emma Cretella's team-leading four goals in St. Paul
girls lacrosse's 13-7 Class S first round state tournament win
over Lewis Mills. (Copyright, Sports on CT-69)

St. Paul thought it had a 7-3 lead entering halftime, but after a long discussion, a goal was taken off the scoreboard because the Falcons had committed four yellow card violations in the first half. Not only was the goal taken off the scoreboard, but St. Paul was forced to play a man down in the second half.
The Falcons had a three-goal lead, but the thought of playing down a man for 25 minutes wasn't ideal. Instead of losing the lead, however, St. Paul built upon it. A Lewis Mills player was later disqualified for getting two yellow cards, but by that point, the Falcons were in control.
St. Paul had terrific offensive balance in the victory. Emma Cretella led the Falcons with four goals, but she had plenty of help. Greta Panke scored three goals while Catherine Ciampi and Cameron Baston added two goals apiece. Maddie Fisher and Carolyn Del Debbio rounded out the scoring with one goal apiece.
St. Paul goalie Madison Bernier made 10 saves. The Falcons used her strong play in goal, plus a balanced offense, to move on. St. Paul faces a major challenge today against North Branford. With a state tournament win under their belts, the Falcons will be playing with house money.

GALLERY: Here are my photos from Tuesday's game.

VIDEO: The final seconds of the game and the St. Paul celebration.