The Mars Fightin’ Planets girls’ lacrosse closed out the regular season in dominant fashion Saturday afternoon, defeating visiting Rocky River, Ohio, 17-5, at the MAC while showcasing the balanced offense and disciplined play that has made the team one of the top contenders heading into the playoffs.
Senior midfielder Anna McGrath led the offensive surge with five goals and two assists, while Katie Blake added four goals and one assist. Lucy Balazs and Hailey Long each contributed three goals in the win as Mars attacked consistently throughout the afternoon. Alexa Knowlton also added a goal for the Planets.
Mars also received strong play from goalkeeper Julia Lego, who recorded seven saves on 12 shots to help slow Rocky River’s offense and preserve momentum throughout the game.
“I think it just started to build in the offseason,” Latona said. “Then when we took the field in March and we had two strong scrimmages and started getting into the season, I thought, this is the best team we’ve ever had.”
Latona credited the team’s culture and chemistry for much of the success.
“We put a huge emphasis on doing everything together — team attack, team defense, draw team,” she said. “We want people to see us and think, ‘That’s a really strong team.’”
That unity was evident throughout the game as Mars moved the ball quickly, attacked aggressively and rarely made mistakes in transition.
One official working the game briefly praised Mars’ fundamentals afterward, noting the team “doesn’t drop the ball” and consistently attacks the zone with confidence and discipline.
Latona said the Planets’ senior leadership has also played a major role in the team’s development this season.
Mars adjusted well offensively against Rocky River’s backer zone defense — a scheme the Planets had not frequently faced this season.
“They play a backer zone defense, which is something we haven’t seen yet this season,” Latona said. “So just using our IQ and really being able to attack them in a different way. And they absolutely did that.”
Latona highlighted Blake’s aggressive play on attack, Lucy Balazs’ work in the circle and Ilego’s performance in goal among the team’s standout efforts.
And the icing on the cake came in the closing minute when Alexa Knowlton tracked down a loose ball and scored with less than a minute remaining, sending the Mars sideline and home crowd into celebration mode.
After the game, Latona’s message to her team was simple: stay focused and continue playing with urgency as the postseason begins.
“To stay humble and hungry as we go into playoffs and not underestimate anybody and stay strong on every piece of the field,” Latona said.
Now, with the regular season complete, Mars turns its attention toward the postseason with hopes of making another deep playoff run.
“All eyes are set on a WPIAL championship again,” Latona said.
