Holding a four-goal lead on The Taft School midway through the third quarter, the scene was set for Greenwich Academy’s Varsity A lacrosse team to earn a spirited victory against a formidable opponent.

Yet lacrosse can be a game of spurts and Taft went on a pivotal one late in the third quarter, then forced overtime, a period in which anything can happen.

In the sudden victory overtime, Taft tallied the game-winner and edged host Greenwich Academy, 11-10, on Tuesday. Following GA’s tough loss to Taft, it celebrated its Senior Day today against Ridgefield High School. The Tigers were victorious against the Gators, 10-6. For the season, Greenwich Academy has a record of 10-6.

“It was a really good game, they’re a really good competitor,” said defender Brooke Bertrand, one of Greenwich Academy’s senior captains. “Credit to them, they kept going the entire game. They never stopped working, they never stopped fighting and they’re a great team. I wish we could honestly play them again.”

In the Gators’ game against Taft on Tuesday, sophomore midfielder Chloe Cleaves scored a team-high four goals, while junior attack Katie Barr recorded a hat trick to pace GA.

Greenwich Academy held a 7-4 lead with 9:30 remaining in the third quarter and was ahead 8-4 after Barr scored off a dodge with 6:33 left in the third frame.

“I think one thing that we were really focusing on this game is spreading it around and getting it around,” Barr said. “In past games, we tried to take the first opportunity and turned it over, so we were really spreading it around, getting it around five or six times. Coach did a great job of calling in the plays. We trusted everyone, we weren’t relying on one person.”

Taft scored on an 8-meter shot with 5:41 to go in the third period, beginning its comeback and cutting GA’s lead to 8-5. Truus van Wees, who ignited Taft’s rally, shot low and scored, bringing the visitors to within 8-6 at the 5:07 mark of the third period.

With 1:53 to go in the third period, van Wees scored again, making it a one-goal game at 8-7. Taft scored again 32 seconds into the fourth quarter, evening the score at 8-8, but Cleaves tallied, making it 9-8 in favor of GA.

Attack Dylan Casazza, one of Greenwich Academy’s senior captains, posted one goal and four assists, while attack junior Chloe Cook and Anniston Mahaffy, also an attack had one goal apiece for the hosts.

“I’m proud of everyone, we came together as a team and I think we learned a lot from this game,” Casazza said. “We are going to get out there strong and fast the rest of the season.”

After Taft tied the score at 9-9 with 7:33 left to play, Barr notched her fourth goal of the game, giving the Gators a 10-9 edge at the 5:43 mark of the final period.

Taft knotted the score again, making it 10-10 with 4:01 to go in the fourth quarter. In overtime, van Wees concluded her standout game with the game-winner 32 seconds into the extra quarter.

“Give them credit, they’re a very talented team,” GA assistant coach Julia McGillicuddy said. “We came out with tons of energy and fire, which is something we’ve been emphasizing in practice and we had composure under pressure when we had the ball.”

“They fought back and got some goals and I’m proud of how the girls responded to that as well,” McGillicuddy continued. “It was a hard-fought battle and we didn’t come out on top, but I think a lot of things were positive to take from today’s game moving forward.”

Barr added: “There was definitely a shift in momentum, but we took it back in the end but it was a hard-fought game. It was even on the draw and we played well offensively and defensively

Sophomore goalie Lily Lyons made numerous stellar saves for the Gators, who hosted Loomis Chaffee School and Penn Charter School in a Play Day last weekend.

GA defeated Loomis Chaffee, 11-9 and was defeated by Penn Charter, 12-6.

“I’m really proud, we’ve played a wide range of teams and everyone on the team is bringing energy to every single game,” Bertrand noted. “When they’re out there they’re playing great. We have a little bit of a younger team and I’m proud of everyone for stepping up.”

Said Casazza: “I feel like we’ve learned a lot as a team this year and I’m proud of how everyone has grown and matured together as a team, so I’m really excited about the next couple of weeks.”

Up next for Greenwich Academy is a game at Hotchkiss School on Saturday at 11 a.m. That concludes the regular season, then the Gators will compete in the FAA Tournament for the first time in several seasons. They are undefeated in the FAA and will be seeded No. 1 in the tournament.

“Our girls are really excited that this year we have a championship to fight for,” McGillicuddy said.