Avon Grove uses second-half spurt to knock off Kennett

WEST GROVE >> The Avon Grove girls lacrosse team was in a close tussle with Kennett, befitting of their places in the District 1 3A rankings. But, two goals late in the first half spurred the Red Devils and they pulled away in the second half for a 14-7 victory in a Ches-Mont League contest Wednesday.
Sydney Correl led the way for Avon Grove with six goals — four in the first half — as they improved to 1-2 in the league and 5-2 overall. They bounced back after losses to Downingtown East and West.
“I think the girls came out fired up. We did a lot of preparation for it,” said Avon Grove’s first-year coach Carlee Costello. “They were ready to do what they do and they did it.”
The teams came into the game one place apart in the district rankings, with Kennett in 11th and Avon Grove in 12th.
Kennett kicked off the scoring a minute and a half into the game as Noelle Foester buried a shot off of a free position.
Avon Grove equalized shortly thereafter — they created a semi-breakaway following a turnover. Maggie Boyle broke in and fed an open Sydney Correll, who buried it.
The Blue Demons (2-1, 5-2) jumped back in front as they got in a free position while being a man up. Mary Carroll scored with 16:52 left for a 2-1 lead. The seesaw teetered back to Avon Grove as Correll took a feed from Brianna Gillin and whipped it in from the left side of the cage to knot it at 2-2.
For the third time in the half, Kennett took a lead. Quinn Simmons scored to go ahead 3-2. Once again, Avon Grove tied it on Correll’s third goal of the half after a spin move gave her some space and she scored from distance.
Kennett came back on a tally from Bridget Wells to take a 4-3 lead, but it would prove to be its final one of the evening.
Avon Grove scored three straight to take control. First, Correll registered her fourth goal of the half to tie it at 4-4.
“Feels good,” said Correll. “I just have to thank my teammates. They all assisted and they were huge on the draw and it was a team win.”
Rylee Boyd scored with 3:51 left to give the Red Devils their first lead at 5-4. As the half was coming to a close, Boyd caught a pass from behind the net and one-timed a shot past goalie Kaitlyn Snoke as the horn sounded for a two-goal lead.
After Kennett cut the deficit to 6-5, Avon Grove opened up, going on a 6-0 run to grab hold of the game and pull away. They controlled the draw controls and created turnovers that turned into goals.
“You can’t win games when you’re not winning the center draw,” said Kennett coach Lisa Daugherty. “You can’t win games when you have two ground balls over the whole 50 minutes. It’s basic skills that beat us, and speed.”
“Rylee Boyd is a freshman and the only thing she can do is go up,” added Costello. “Great, great draw skills. The whole draw team did excellent.”
Snoke came up with some impressive saves while the game was still close. Her best came early in the second half. Correll collected a turnover and broke in alone, but was stuffed by Snoke.
“I think my goalie did phenomenal,” added Daugherty. “She kept us from a 10-goal differential.”
The Red Devils senior class celebrated their first win over Kennett in at least four years.
“It feels so good,” said Correll.

Avon Grove 14, Kennett 7
Kennett 4 3 — 7
Avon Grove 6 8 — 14
Kennett goals: Simmons 3, Wells 2, Foester, Carroll.
Avon Grove goals: Correll 6, Boyd 2, Huver, Britton, Bonura, Vannello, B. Dunckel, E. Dunckel.
Goalie Saves: Snoke (K) 11; Mellott (AG) 5.