First-game jitters are pretty common for many teams heading into a new season.
That wasn't the case for the Cicero-North Syracuse girls lacrosse team in its season home opener against Westhill on Wednesday.
Led by five goals from Mackenzie Prentice, the Northstars topped Westhill, 14-7.
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"It was great. The girls were super excited today," C-NS coach Stephanie Prentice said. "We've been working on a lot of stuff (this season), including team chemistry. It showed today."
From the opening faceoff, C-NS took its attack and ran with it. The team led 8-4 at the break and kept Westhill at bay in the second half.
"It's always the goal to start the season with a win," Prentice said. "Tonight, we were able to put that W up in the locker room."
Sophia Nesci chipped in three goals and an assist for the Northstars. Elizabeth Smith provided two goals and eight draw controls. Brooke Molchanoff added a goal, two assists and two ground balls. Gabrielle Putman had two assists, two ground balls and four draw controls. Marissa Doty and Miabella Gates contributed a goal apiece. Goalies Jillian Howell and Allison Spoto combined for six saves.
"It was just a full team effort," Prentice said. "Everybody on the team did their job tonight."
For Westhill, Kara Rosenberger led with three goals, an assist and two ground balls. Avery Starowicz tallied two goals, while Rosemary Mahoney added a goal and three draw controls. Sophia Lasher contributed a goal.
The Northstars (1-0) this season are looking to bounce back after a tough loss to Baldwinsville in the Class A sectional final last season. C-NS will be in the hunt to grab its first sectional crown since the 2021 campaign.
Prentice said her team has all the pieces to make another run in the postseason.
"Ultimately, we want to get to the final (again), but our focus is on the next (game)," Prentice said.
C-NS's next opponent is Fairport of Section V at 7 p.m. Monday. Fairport is the defending Class A state champion.
It's the first time ever that the Northstars will face Fairport, Prentice said.
"It's a big game for us," Prentice said. "I like to play tough teams. It's a good way to learn and figure out what we need to do to get better."
