Douglass’ goal in OT lifts Avon past East Lyme into semifinal

Avon High senior Britt Douglass, shown earlier this year, had the game-winning goal in overtime as Avon beat East Lyme, 11-10 in the Class M quarterfinals Thursday in Avon.

AVON – There was dirt stains on her shirt and on her legs. Britt Douglass sat on a bench after her final lacrosse game at Avon High. She smiled but was tired. 

Her teammates smiled, too. Thanks to a goal from Douglass with 1:19 left in overtime, the Avon High girls lacrosse team is going to the Class M semifinals for the second straight season. The Falcons erased a two-goal deficit, tied the game with 3:55 remaining in regulation and beat No. 8 East Lyme in overtime, 11-10 Thursday.

The victory lifts top-ranked Avon into the semifinals where they will face No. 5 New Canaan (14-5) on Tuesday, June 10. The Rams, who have won three straight state championships, beat Avon in the semifinals a year ago, 15-6. 

Avon wasn’t as sharp as they have been in other games this season. They weren’t challenged in a 17-0 win over Bacon Academy in the second round of the tournament. And East Lyme (12-6) came right at the Falcons. The score was tied 7-7 at halftime and East Lyme had a 10-8 lead with 14:25 to go in the contest.

“It could have been East Lyme but this was the first game this year that we dropped more balls and threw more away,” Avon coach Sean Cole said.

But Avon (17-2) hung tough. Sammy Maniatty scored her third goal with 13:01 left in the second half to cut the lead to one, 10-9. With 3:55 remaining in the game, Hannah Davey tied the score with her third goal of the game.

The Falcon defense didn’t give up a goal in the final 14:25 of regulation or overtime. Avon goalie Paige Hammick made several saves in the frantic final minute of regulation as East Lyme pressed for the winning goal.

In overtime, Emily Wright made a pass to Hannah Davey that hit the ground. But Davey hustled to scoop up the loose ball and allow Avon to keep possession of the ball. She passed it to Douglass, who was behind the net. Douglass rolled out in front of the net and scored the game-winner.

It was just her fifth goal in two tournament games. But Douglass has 14 assists.

Wright had a goal and Abbey Hagan added two for the Falcons against East Lyme. It was the final home game for Avon’s seniors. The win was also a school record 17th win, snapping the single season win record of 16 set a year ago.

Avon 11, East Lyme 10, OT
At Avon
East Lyme (12-6)               7  3  0  — 10
Avon (17-2)                        7  3  1  — 11
Goals: Hannah Davey (A) 3, Sammy Maniatty (A) 3, Britt Douglass (A) 2, Abbey Hagan (A) 2, Emily Wright (A); K. Roberts (E) 4, B. Kenny (E) 2, R. McGlone (E) 2, C. Gonsalves (E), S. Delatorecole (E); Assists: Douglas (A) 6, Kenny (E), McGlone (E), V. Verno  (E) 1, Gonsalves (E), S. Andrews (E)