Notre Dame Prep first-year lacrosse coach Mac Ford had been waiting for his team to play an all-around game for two halves. The Blazers did just that Tuesday against Maryvale, rolling to a 21-6 victory in Towson in an Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland A Conference game.
Notre Dame Prep had an advantage in shots, 37-8, and draws, 18-9.
"We played excellent both offensively and defensively," Ford said. "We are starting to play a lot better than the beginning of the season. So we are very excited."
Sophomore attacker Grace Haus, a University of Florida recruit, scored five goals to lead the Blazers. Hannah Mardiney, a freshman attacker, added four goals and sophomore attacker Katie Railey finished with three goals.
Notre Dame Prep held speedy Maryvale senior Miranda Ibello, a member of the U.S. Women's National Under-19 team, to three goals on four shots. She came into the game with 47 goals in 11 games.
"You don't want her to have seven or eight goals," said Ford, citing the defensive play of Keegan Barger and Coulby Riehl. "She can rally everybody around her and everybody else can start elevating their game. We really tried to deny her the ball."
Notre Dame Prep didn't waste time taking control in the first half.
The Blazers jumped out to a 5-1 lead in the first 11:22. Haus capped that stretch by grabbing Maddie Staczek's rebound and beating sophomore goalie Amanda Jenkins with a low shot.
Notre Dame Prep (6-8 overall, 5-5 league) built a 10-4 lead by halftime.
Maryvale (4-9, 2-7) changed goalies in the second half, playing freshman Sophia Shucosky.
She was tested right away as the Blazers scored four straight goals within five minutes to go ahead, 14-4.
There was a running clock for most of the second half.
"Our team didn't show up today," Maryvale coach Jessica Randisi said. "We want to play our game, which we didn't do. We are a fast team with a big heart and big desire. We score goals when we are shifty and when you don't expect things. But none of that was happening today."
Notre Dame Prep will now focus on Thursday's game against McDonogh, the No. 1 ranked team in the area.
The Eagles' 16-9 victory over Severn Tuesday extended their winning streak to 128 consecutive games.
“We are pumped,” Haus said. “We have a great coaching staff to help us get (ready). Draw control will definitely be key. We are going to keep working in practice and go really hard tomorrow.”