The Lafayette Lady Generals took their fifth loss of the season Wednesday night, now to the Henry Clay Lady Blue Devils: 21-6.

Despite the final score, Lafayette took the early advantage when Margo Crothers found the back of the net for the Lady Generals in the first 12 seconds of the game.

Henry Clay then responded with ten unanswered goals.

“They got their one goal and it was fine, I wasn’t worried at all,” replied Henry Clay head coach Brianna McCulley postgame. “I knew we would bring the energy as soon as we got the next draw. We [played] our game, that’s how we play.”

Despite the scoring onslaught, led by Henry Clay junior Kaleigh Sutton, Lafayette found their footing with goals from Pragya Upreti and Natalie Butler following a timeout. However, the Blue Devils had a 15-3 advantage at halftime, and the game was effectively out of reach.

“Henry Clay is a good team, they’re fast,” commented Lafayette head coach Annie McLaughlin following the game. “We just needed to go after the ball.”

Despite the score, McLaughlin was still pleased with Lafayette’s defensive effort.

“I think this was the best defense that I’ve seen us play all year in terms of communication and marking up on our girls and staying goalside,” she said.

In the second half, Claire Abraham scored three goals for the Lady Generals, whittling away at the deficit. Goalkeepers Anna Curry and Katie Franklin also combined for 11 saves.

JV also took their first loss of the season following the Varsity squad. Henry Clay jumped out to a 5-0 lead before Natalie Butler scored for Lafayette right before halftime. A pair of goals from Margo Crothers and Scarlet Evans-Boyle drew the Lady Generals within two- but Lafayette had two goals taken away due to crease violations- which ultimately prevented Lafayette’s victory. The result marked the first loss all year for the JV squad.

With the loss, Lafayette has now dropped three of their last four games. However, they will have an opportunity to bounce back against Notre Dame Academy in Louisville on Friday night, with that game beginning at 6:45.

THOUGHTS

Ouch.

Nobody likes a blowout. However, despite the slump, it isn’t time to sound the alarms on this team yet. One loss, or three in four games, shouldn’t define where this team actually stands.

Technically, Lafayette looked sound- even when considering the final score. As for talent, there is no shortage on the Lafayette roster. But how has the slump in success affected the mentality of our girls?

It’s hard to be totally sure. However, the instant any players, coaches, or even parents lose faith in our girls, it will only lead to more losses for the Lady Generals. Losing three of four games shouldn’t discredit the five wins Lafayette has already secured, and it’s crucial to remember the success that the Lady Generals have had on the field this season during a time like this.

For Lafayette, getting the monkey off the back is a burden that falls on nobody but themselves. It is up to the 45 girls on the roster and the two coaches that lead them to shake it off. And if you are a parent or fan reading this article?

All it takes is a little bit of blind faith.

Go Generals.