While its offense is filled with returning starters, the defensive unit on Glenelg's girls lacrosse team is learning to play together for the first time.
That was one reason the Gladiators gave up 10 goals in their season-opening victory last week at South Carroll. Yesterday, however, was different story.
Glenelg's defense limited visiting North Carroll to three goals - one in the second half - en route to a 10-3 victory.
"We were so proud of them. They were so good," said Glenelg senior attacker Kelly O'Connor, who had three goals.
Glenelg seniors Katie Kirley, Elizabeth Shields and Kristina Schwarz make up the line defense, and sophomores Bryn Buckler and Amy Knell are the defensive wings.
"You have to pleased giving up only three goals," said Glenelg coach Ginger Kincaid. "They improved big-time [from the South Carroll game]. They're starting to find each other."
The Gladiators played strictly man-to-man defense against South Carroll, but went to their zone for roughly 10 minutes in the second half against North Carroll.
"It's very critical for us to be able to do both," said Kincaid, who said her team wasn't ready to play zone in the opener.
"I think we're coming together really well," said Kirley. "We're all good players, we just have to play with each other more."
Kirley added that veteran goalie Heather Young has been a big help. "She talks to us the whole game and gives us support and confidence," Kirley said.
Glenelg's Stephanie Simpson scored three goals against North Carroll, and Lindsay Lewis, Lindsay Ricks, Erin Edell and Buckler each had one.
Wilde Lake 17, Chapelgate 2: Rebecca Valle had eight goals and Katherine Ford added four to lead the host Wildecats (2-0). Emma Klein and Meghan Klein had goals for Chapelgate (0-3), and goalie Ayme Ricketts recorded 24 saves.
Howard 15, Francis Scott Key 10: Bean Cisna scored six goals and Lindsay Frank had five to lead the host Lions (2-0).
Softball
Wilde Lake, which lost, 2-1, to Howard in its opener, has scored 25 runs in the past two days. The Wildecats beat River Hill, 11-0, Monday and Hammond, 14-1, yesterday. Wilde Lake plays host to sixth-ranked Atholton (3-0) today. The Wildecats were one of two county teams to beat the defending county champions last season.