By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

The Holliston girls lacrosse team lost to Wayland, 13-11, in the quarterfinals of the state tourney but don’t feel sorry about the Panthers’ elimination or their inability to get to the semifinal or the final round.

Because the way the Panthers advanced to the quarterfinal round by edging Agawam was a study in intestinal fortitude — a dynamic example of desire, dedication and devotion to the task at hand.

 Coach Ali Jacobs has guided Holliston’s girls lacrosse team to the third of the tournament for the last two years

The Panthers trailed, 11-5, at halftime but outscored Agawam, 11-4, in the second half and won the contest, 16-15. A huge six-goal deficit was erased after the Panthers shook off some weariness from a 1½-hour bus ride and some second-round jitters.

“I stressed at halftime that we had a lot of time left (25 minutes) and to treat our situation like a new game,’’ said coach Ali Jacobs. “I also urged the players to ramp up their effort, go hard for the 50-50 balls and to earn the win.’’

Jacobs said she sensed the players “were a tad weary’’ from the lengthy ride to Agawam and ‘’they were a bit nervous.’’

But, the Panthers, who were 13-5 during the regular season, dominated the second half. Senior captain Abby Glynn scored a total of seven goals from her attack slot, senior attack Cara Chipman notched a pair of goals, and freshman midfielder Kaitlyn Quealy scored the game-winner with 1½ minutes remaining in the match. Quealy was wide open in the middle, faked a shot high, then drove the ball low past the goalie.

“The girls showed grit and determination,’’ Jacobs said about the second half. “They didn’t let their nerves overtake their ability. They knew that playing Tri Valley League teams like Westwood (defending Division 1 champion), Medfield and Ashland were quality squads that competed intensely.’’

Another factor in the amazing comeback was Jacobs, who’s in her fourth year as Holliston’s coach. She took the Panthers’ varsity job after 13 years of coaching at the club level.

Jacobs played lacrosse on three state championship teams at Westwood High and after transferring from Boston University to Northwestern, she was on three national title teams with the Wildcats. Northwestern beat Virginia, Pennsylvania and North Carolina for its championships (2007-2009).

“I think the girls respect the wisdom I’ve gained from my playing experience in high school and college,’’ Jacobs said. “When I suggested taking a deep breath and to reset, they seemed to settle down.’’

Holliston’s four senior captains get credit, too, for keeping the players on an even-keel. The quartet includes Abby Glynn and her twin sister Bridget (attack), midfielder Caroline Salley and defender Lily Sawyers.

“The captains have been great leaders,’’ Jacobs said. “They’re well-respected, hard-working and unselfish.’’

The Glynn sisters are not only offensive threats, but also effective in a variety of other ways. 

“Abby scored her 200th goal in the Agawam game,’’ Jacobs said. “Our top scorer, she was also outstanding in dodging, passing, and on draws. An accurate shooter, she’s an excellent motivator. Bridget is our No. 2 scorer. She sets up her teammates, defends intensely and gets a lot of draw controls. A good stick-handler and dodger, she has great field sense.’’ 

Salley and Sawyers have been key cogs in midfield and on defense, respectively. 

“Caroline is great on draw controls,’’ Jacobs said. “A good one-on one defender, she’s very effective in transition because of her speed and endurance. A confident player, she’s huge in clearing. Lily is our leader on defense, always reminding her teammates to communicate. She gets to the ball and starts our offensive attack from the defensive end.’’

Sophomore goalie Maya Kirstein has been a key player who’s improved greatly.

“Maya came up from the jayvees and started three-quarters of our games when she was a freshman,’’ Jacobs noted. “A great athlete, she reacts quickly, plays the angles well, handles ground balls effectively, is patient and is excellent at anticipating plays.’’

Chipman also draws praise from her coach. “Cara is great in transition and guards the crease well,’’ Jacobs said. “She works hard is really good at dodging and has blossomed as an attacker.’’

Senior defender Kathleen Fitzgerald also has been a major contributor. “Kathleen is scrappy and relentless going for ground ball possessions,’’ Jacobs emphasized. “Gritty and feisty around the circle, she’s willing to go low to get ground balls and she’s got speed when controlling the ball.’’

Quealy is versatile, playing both attack and midfield. She’s also very talented for a freshman. “Kaitlyn has effective stick skills and she doesn’t get rattled,’’ said Jacobs. “A good ball-handler, she’s got a high lacrosse IQ, understands spacing and has a marvelous work ethic.’’

Jacobs gives high marks to four players who “do a lot of things that don’t show up in the box score.’’ They are junior Caroline Brady and senior Bridget Daigneault on defense and senior Katie Crews and junior Martha Walker in midfield.

“They’re good in transition, go hard every game and get possessions by creating turnovers,’’ Jacobs said.

The Panthers rolled past Oliver Ames, 20-8, and rallied against Agawam, earning a date in the quarterfinals against powerful Wayland. Holliston never led against Wayland, trailing by as many as five goals.

“We had too many turnovers in the first half,’’ Jacobs said, “but we stayed with it and battled back. We closed the deficit to one goal but Wayland’s final score was an empty-net goal. The girls were disappointed but it was a good year. We finished 15-6 overall and this season’s road to the third round was tougher than last year when we lost to Bedford in the third round. Wayland and Agawam are excellent teams. It was a special season and I’m proud of the girls.’’

The Panthers gritty style was linked to key attributes they relied on throughout their 21 matches.

“We did well in the playoffs because of a high lacrosse IQ, speed and quickness, good communication, team chemistry and mental toughness,’’ Jacobs offered. “Team chemistry was our biggest asset and mental toughness provided the resiliency we displayed against Agawam.’’

The 2022 Holliston girls lacrosse team was a study in desire, devotion and dedication.