Pick a phase of the game — draw control, speed, quickness, basic skills, talent — and McDonogh, the nation's No. 1 ranked team, excelled at it during Saturday's 20-4 victory over Mt. Hebron.
It was the Vikings' first loss this year and extended McDonogh's win-streak to 126.
In the small world of lacrosse, everyone knows everyone and each team had earmarked the players it wanted to stop.
Mt. Hebron was intent on stopping Olivia Jenner, Elizabeth George, Brindi Griffin and Catie May, but that effort was made more difficult by the absence of four-year starter Meghan Doherty, who was attending her brother's wedding.
McDonogh keyed in on Mt. Hebron's Jen Giles, Chachi Kelehan and Jordan Stevens.
"We wanted to focus on those three, and the other players hurt us," said McDonogh coach Chris Robinson.
The Eagles did a masterful job on the draw. Jenner, back in the lineup after an ankle injury, was proficient at the self draw. Her height and long reach made it nearly impossible for Mt. Hebron to get draw control, which is at the heart of success in a girls lacrosse game.
"It was great to have Liv back today, dominating the draw the whole game," said George.
While McDonogh's victory started in the midfield, it extended to both ends of the field.
"Overall, we were playing great team defense," Jenner said. "That's how we were able to get such a lead."
With a 10-goal lead early in the second half, McDonogh forced a running clock.
The Vikings were outscored, 9-1, in the second half.
Robinson said he team's offense relied on its patience.
"Mt. Hebron really packs it in on defense so we couldn't force things," Robinson said. "We held possession and looked for a good opportunity."
Mt. Hebron (8-1 overall) learned many lessons in the game.
"Watching them while they were on offense move the ball so quickly – we have been trying to do that, too. We can draw from their offense in order to make ours better," said Erin Demek.
As McDonogh continued to score, Mt. Hebron kept its cohesiveness.
"Our team focus is chemistry and playing together," Kelehan said. "I don't think we ever gave up. …It could have been a lot worse if we had gotten angry at ourselves or angry with our teammates."
"In spite of the score differential our girls played with a lot of heart," said Mt. Hebron coach Trish Derwart. "This game showed some things that we need to work on. … McDonogh is a very highly skilled team. We are only going to be better from having this experience."
Viking keeper Jen Schaaf often faced point-blank shots, but had 14 saves.
McDonogh 20, Mt. Hebron 4
Goals: McD — Olivia Jenner 5, Kelsey Cummings 3, Elizabeth George 2, Julia Hoffman 2, Catie May, Maddie Jenner, Savannah Buchanan, Brindi Griffin, Caroline Lewis, Andi Aldave, Blair Kessler, Sophie Stavisky. MH — Sorana Larson, Jordan Stevens, Cammy Case, Erin Demek.
Assists: McD —Elizabeth George 2, Catie May 2, Kelsey Cummings, Julia Hoffman, Maddie Jenner, Caroline Lewis, Blair Kessler. MH — Cammy Case, Jen Giles.
Saves: McD — Gabbe Cadoux 5, Hannah Gizzi 1, Jenna Ansell 0. MH — Jen Schaaf 14.
Halftime: McDonogh, 11-3.