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# Fast start helps Nashua South girls lacrosse get back in win column (video)
- URL: https://www.nh-highschoolsports.com/fast-start-helps-nashua-south-girls-lacrosse-get-back-in-win-column-video/
- Published: 2021-05-18T16:40:11.000Z
- Updated: 2021-05-18T16:40:11.000Z
- Description: NASHUA - After making it through a rough stretch of the schedule, the Nashua High School South girls lacrosse team wanted to get off to a fast start Monday night against Merrimack. The Panthers did that and then some. South scored three goals in the game's first 90 seconds, led by nine goals at half
- Author: Joe Marchilena
- Tags: Division I, girls lacrosse, Merrimack, Nashua South, slider, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-08-18 04:44

NASHUA - After making it through a rough stretch of the schedule, the Nashua High School South girls lacrosse team wanted to get off to a fast start Monday night against Merrimack.

The Panthers did that and then some.

South scored three goals in the game's first 90 seconds, led by nine goals at halftime, and cruised to a 14-3 win over the Tomahawks in a Division I game at Stellos Stadium.

Six players scored for the Panthers (7-6), led by four goals from freshman Ella Benzekri. Olivia Johnson and Kaitlyn West added three goals apiece while Maddy Matylewski had two goals and Soleil Dubois and Kylie Dawe also scored.

Audrey Mullaney made three saves for South, which had dropped five of its previous six games, including a 20-4 loss to Bishop Guertin on Friday.

"It was, especially after the BG game on Friday night," South coach Ciki McIntire said. "I just wanted them to come out strong and ready to play. I knew Merrimack would be gritty and tough, and they were. Not to take anything for granted. We wanted to win possession and work on some plays. It was a success for us. I think the defense was growing more confident."

South's defense held Merrimack (3-9) to just one goal through the game's first 48 minutes, and often times in the first half, kept the Tomahawks from setting anything up on offense when they did get possession.

"It really was a big win for us coming off a loss," South senior Aryanna Murray said. "We needed to come in really strong and have all the confidence. We pushed in practice (Sunday) really hard. It really effects our energy. We had all the energy coming into this game and it showed."

The Panthers controlled the first three draws and went right down the field on each one, getting a goal from Johnson to open the scoring just 19 seconds into the game. Benzekri followed with her first goal just 37 seconds later and West made it 3-0 just 30 seconds after that.

Dubois made it 4-0 with 20:08 remaining in the first half and Johnson followed up with her second of the game with 18:34 to go, forcing Merrimack to take a timeout.

The Tomahawks won their first draw of the game coming out of the break, but Mullaney came up with a save that the Panthers turned into a goal by West at the other end to make it 6-0\. Merrimack won the next draw, but this time South forced a turnover and turned that into a goal as well.

"The last few games against Pinkerton and BG have just been to hold down the fort," McIntire said. "(Monday) we were able to pressure a little more. It was good for Audrey to make a few saves and get some confidence there. That was good. She did a really nice job."

Even when the offense is controlling play and putting up goals, it helps the defense keep its focus and composure for when it is called upon to make a play, according to Murray.

"The defense, even seeing the field, it builds our confidence once they get down on our side," she said. "It really starts with the draw. Ella is doing an amazing job."

Cam Gaumont got Merrimack on the board in the first half, making it a 7-1 game with 11:02 remaining until halftime. South scored three more times to take a 10-1 lead into the break and then added four straight goals to open the second half.

Matylewski's goal with 21:30 remaining put the game into running time and the Panthers went up 14-1 before Merrimack got goals from Hailey Rivet and Lily Hendel late in the game.

The teams will meet again at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday in Merrimack.