SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — It was an action-packed day at the Northeast Showcase on Sunday.
With 15 games happening simultaneously across two different locations, I could only see so much. I focused on the ‘28s and ‘30s at Schalmont Central School, trying to soak up as much excitement as possible.
I caught seven games from the ‘28s, seeing 12 different teams either based in New England or with New England representation on the roster.
I already highlighted 15 standout offensive ‘28s from the event. In this story, I focused on defensive contributors and goalies.
This is by no means a comprehensive list of every strong defensive ‘28 at the showcase, as I couldn’t see every team and I saw no team more than once.
A few players on this list could have fit into the offensive standouts list, but I noticed them more for their defensive contributions, so I included them here.
Without further ado, let’s get into it.
Ella Bacallao, Prime Time
Position: G
School: Sacred Heart Greenwich
NCAA: Michigan
A five-star prospect, Bacallao (Larchmont, N.Y.) showcased her elite shot-stopping ability in a 5-4 loss against Laxachusetts Black. She had a costly turnover, but more than made up for it with some impressive saves in net. Bacallao stopped two free position shots in the first half and made a point-blank save in the second half that kept the contest tied for the time being. She caught a few shots cleanly in her stick, not allowing a rebound opportunity.
Lucy Bonner, Laxachusetts Yellow
Position: D
School: Governor’s Academy
Bonner (New Castle, N.H.) was excellent in a 10-2 win over Mass Elite White. She thrived in one-on-one situations, turning attackers away from goal. Bonner was aggressive on the ball, leaving ball handlers with little breathing room, and she collected multiple ground balls.
Abigail “Jesse” Cargiuolo, Laxachusetts Black
Position: D
School: Masters Academy International
NCAA: Holy Cross
Cargiuolo (Bedford, Mass.) had the difficult assignment of covering Peyla Carcaterra (Ridgefield, Conn.), Prep Girls Lacrosse’s top-ranked player in the class of 2028, and did a phenomenal job. She stayed in front of Carcaterra well, knocking the ball away on one occasion and pushing her off balance before a shot attempt on two others. Cargiuolo was also phenomenal in possession as Laxachusetts looked to kill the clock in the final five minutes of a 5-4 win. She found open teammates and escaped a double team late.
Ella Croom, 3d New England Red
Position: M
School: Rivers
Croom (Medford, Mass.) was tasked with difficult matchups against NH Tomahawks’ most talented attackers and did well. She stayed connected defensively and was well aware of her team’s defensive shape, forcing attackers into help, where the tandem could knock the ball loose.
Josie Collins, 3d New England Red
Position: M
School: Pingree
NCAA: Denver
Collins (Hamilton, Mass.) was everywhere. She easily could have been part of our offensive standouts story, as she scored twice and broke down defenders with ease. However, her defense was just as impressive. Collins guarded well at the top of the fan, forcing NH Tomahawks out wide. She scooped a few crucial ground balls — including one she took the length of the field for a goal — and had no issues clearing the ball out of the defensive area.
Molly Folkard, Laxachusetts Black
Position: G
School: Thayer Academy
NCAA: Boston University
Folkard played the second half in Laxachusetts’ 5-4 win over Prime Time, allowing just one goal, which came on a free position. She made a save against Carcaterra on a free position and later made a point-blank stop to deny fellow five-star prospect Anna von Kleeck, sprawling out wide and stopping the shot with her right arm.
Madison Goodwin, 3d New England Red
Position: D
School: Burlington (Mass.)
Goodwin played tough and aggressive defense at the point all game long, forcing NH Tomahawks to go elsewhere when trying to penetrate the middle. On one incredible display of hustle, she dove to snag a ground ball and flung it across the deck to Josie Collins, who raced the length of the field for a goal. Goodwin made it tough for her opponents to breathe when they had the ball, even if they were 20-plus yards away from the net.
READ MORE: 15 standout offensive '28s from the Northeast Showcase
Bridget Hegarty, Laxachusetts Black
Position: M
School: Thayer Academy
NCAA: Boston College
Hegarty (Milton, Mass.) had one of Sunday's plays of the day. She intercepted a pass from Bacallao and raced upfield for a one-on-one chance in front of the net. She faked a low shot before calmly placing the ball into the upper netting. Hegarty also collected a few ground balls and picked the right moments to bring aggressive help defense towards the always-dangerous Carcaterra.
Murphy Holden, Laxachusetts Black
Position: G
School: Pingree
NCAA: Clemson
Holden, a five-star prospect, played an incredible first half against Prime Time. She was incredibly talkative, calling out switches and organizing the Laxachusetts defense effectively against a dangerous foe. When Prime Time got inside, Holden came off her line to close down the space and used her 6-foot-2 frame to get big, with multiple shots bouncing off her helmet and away from danger. Prime Time then attempted to go low, and Holden closed the wickets in time, making a shin save.
Lydia Kealty, Mass Elite Red
Position: M
School: Thayer Academy
NCAA: Boston College
Kealty (Norfolk, Mass.) scored in the game I saw against HHH Philly, but her defensive contributions were key as well. She caused a few turnovers and carried the ball effectively in transition after collecting the loose ball. Kealty’s ground balls off of draw controls were also important, including one she scooped up with 90 seconds left and a one-goal lead.
Tatum Litowitz, Revolution Lacrosse Black
Position: M
School: Pomfret
Litowitz (Kennebunk, Maine) is a strong two-way midfielder who made winning defensive plays in a 6-2 win over GSE. She had multiple stick checks that caused turnovers and was confident in transition once collecting the loose ball. Litowitz also intercepted a pass from the GSE goalie on one play after staying glued to her matchup.
Zoe Maher, Mass Elite Red
Position: D
School: Medfield (Mass.)
Maher was super solid for Mass Elite Red in a tightly contested 7-6 win over HHH Philly. Matched up against plenty of talented attackers, I never saw her get beat one-on-one. Maher also had a couple takeaways in a close game where every possession was incredibly valuable.
Jordan Rubio, Laxachusetts Green
Position: D
School: Phillips Exeter
Rubio (Rockland, Mass.) was busy defensively as Gold Star had possession for nearly the entire game. She had a couple of nice stick checks and hustled for ground balls.
Breleigh Vischer, Granite State Elite
Position: A
School: Portsmouth (N.H.)
It may seem counterintuitive to have an attacker on the defensive standouts list, but Vischer caught my attention with her defensive contributions. Her high-motor riding forced multiple failed clears. On one occasion, Vischer tracked back into the midfield, bumped a player off the ball and got to the loose ball first, much to the appreciation of her teammates, who loudly cheered from the sidelines.
