By Michael Letendre
VERNON – After an emotional 5-3 win over Bristol Central on Wednesday night, the Bristol Eastern girls lacrosse team was back in action the following day, taking on Rockville in a non-conference bout.
Rockville, a member of the NCCC, was able to foil the Lancers over a tough 15-10 loss on the road in Vernon.
Eastern fell to 11-5 overall, winning two of three matches over a three-day stretch, with the CCC Tournament on deck for the Lancers.
The program at Rockville had several reserves at the ready, eventually running three sets of midfielders that eventually overwhelmed the Bristol program.
Eastern’s Emma Stavens jammed in two hat tricks worth of goals (six) while Vanessa Drury added two scores.
Kenzie Aparo and Taigan Parent each flashed in a goal for the Kingstreeters.
Sarah Hartley also turned in an assist over the losing effort, but she helped her squad keep things close.
Jayna Hatcher and company played well on defense, helping out outstanding keeper Avery Ellis, as the match was in doubt throughout.
However, the Rams were able to shake Eastern late as the affair was all knotted up at 8-8 with 15 minutes remaining to play in regulation.
The winning squad went on a 7-2 game-ending run to end the match as the Rams won it by five goals.
CCC Tournament approaches
The first round of the CCC Tournament takes place on Tuesday and the Lancers are in the mix.
The top eight squads in CCC play earned a spot in the tournament as Eastern is ranked second in the Central Division.
In one semifinal, No. 3 Wethersfield travels to No. 2 Eastern for a first-round showdown on Tuesday, May 23.
Game time is set for 6 p.m. from Alumni Field.
Here’s the complete CCC Tournament lineup:
2023 CCC Girls Lacrosse Tournament Championships
*Eight teams made the tournament fray.
*There are two divisions in postseason play, (Central and North Divisions).
*Four teams make up each division.
May 23, 2023 – All semifinals to be played from the higher seed
Central Division
*No. 4 Middletown at No. 1 Lewis Mills
*No. 3 Wethersfield at No. 2 Bristol Eastern
North Division
*No. 4 Glastonbury at No. 1 Simsbury
*No 3 Conard at No. 2 Southington
May 25, 2023 – The division finals commence from the higher seeds, eventually leading to a tournament champion when the Central and North divisions clash.
