Any game between the Duxbury Dragons and the Hingham Harborwomen is ought to be an eventful one if not exciting. The two teams never fail to put on a show for those who watch. Each year, countless sports, and dozens of friendly-rivalry games co-exist between the schools and if any student from either were asked about it they would say the same thing: Hingham vs. Duxbury is a prominent rivalry in the Patriot League, as well as the MIAA. Student Ellie Rogers from HHS mentioned, “Duxbury has always been a known ‘rival’ for Hingham, and it is always a fun time watching the games between our school and theirs.” Like clockwork, the Harborwomen and the Dragons met up on the HHS turf on April 29th to contend for the Patriot League’s number one spot.
For the past couple of years, the Hingham Harborwomen have come out on top of their league’s champion, however this year was the end of their streak as Duxbury defeated them 11-9. While the score doesn’t portray it, the girls fought hard and many had outstanding games. At four o’clock the girls took the field for the long-awaited game.
The Harborwomen came out strong in the first quarter, with Senior Captain Caroline Connolly gaining an eight-meter opportunity due to shooting space. However, less than two minutes after Connolly’s goal, the Dragons fired one of their own, tying the game up. A goal by Freshman Jenna Varholak, fed by Senior Captain Grace Maroney, put Hingham back on top. With a goal by Sophomore Maeve Maroney (fed by Junior Emily Kiernan), and another by Caroline Connolly, the Harborwomen ended the first quarter up 4-1.
While the second quarter was slower for Hingham, their only goal being from Caroline Connolly with the assist by Senior Captain Neely Sgobbo, Duxbury had a four-goal quarter, two of which being in the last twenty seconds of the half. Besides the four goals led up, the Harborwomen stood strong on defense, bleeding out a two-minute penalty and chasing after misfired or ricocheted shots.
The Harborwomen took the half to regroup with head coach Carla Farkes playing a huge role in the team’s morale. Despite the time to resettle the team, Hingham lost the lead for the first time in the third quarter. Duxbury had four goals unanswered in the quarter until Caroline Connolly cut the lead to three. Unfortunately, one more goal for the Dragons extended their lead to four going into the final quarter.
The harborwomen did not go away so easily though. While some teams would cower down in the fourth, the girls dug deep with Sophomore Kylie McAloon winning multiple draws and scoring the first goal of the quarter, cutting it to 10-7. With hard rides and multiple caused turnovers, the harborwomen were able to get Grace Maroney two goals, however with another goal for Duxbury in the fourth, the game ended 11-9, with the dragons on top.
Even though the score did not represent it, countless players worked their tail off in the game. Freshman Aria Giardino was a solid option on the offensive side while Sophomore Caroline Leahy and Senior Addy Garrity held the team together on the defensive end. Giardino had to say after the game, “We knew it would be a tough game and while we’re all a little disappointed, we know we’ll get a rematch later on.” The girls have much to look forward to as they finish their last three weeks of regular season play and prepare to face new opponents. Duxbury might have gotten the edge in this game but luckily the Harbormen lacrosse team took home an 8-5 win on April 29th.
