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Lancers end 7-year losing streak

Ashley Ozuna scored the winning goal, 26 minutes into the second half, as Lawrence field hockey topped Central Catholic, 2-1. It was the Lancers' first win in six-plus seasons (0-90-6).

An elated first-year Lancer coach Jenna Buco said, "The girls stormed the field and threw their sticks in the air. And the goalie threw all her equipment in the air. It was like we won the World Series.''

Ozuna explained, "It was on a corner. Skarlyn Rodriguez passed it. It was a real hard shot. I felt like a million bucks.''

The Lancers are fortunate that Ozuna had a change of heart.

"I started playing as a junior,'' she said. "Sophomore year I did cross country. I wanted to try something new. To see if I could make a difference. We've improved. Coach Buco is the best coach.''

The win over a first-year Central program is big, but the Blue and White are far from satisfied.

"This is just the beginning,'' vowed Ozuna.

Central, which was coming off a win over Dracut, threatened to tie it but Ivy Ortega made a nice save and Rodriguez threw her body in front of the ball to prevent further damage.

Another key was the return of Kelly Sicard. The Lancers were walloped 6-0 in their last game without her.

"She's the eye of the storm. All the players feel her presence,'' said Buco, who ended the conversation with a proud, "Go Lancers!''