With a game against rival Sacred Heart Greenwich looming, Greenwich Academy’s Varsity A lacrosse team knew it still couldn’t look past Hopkins School when it hosted the Hilltoppers in an FAA game on April 21.

So, the Gators went out and were intent on being at their best, wasting little time in displaying their dominance.

Scoring 11 first-half goals, Greenwich Academy stretched its winning streak to six games, rolling past Hopkins, 16-2, at Tammaro Field. Six players scored two goals apiece for GA, which jumped out to an 11-1 halftime advantage.

Senior midfielder/captain Ruby Montanez, sophomore midfielder Abby Iles, senior attack Eliza Babyak, freshman attack Cordelia Blanc, sophomore midfielder Delaney Enright and freshman midfielder Maddie Lane each had two goals in the winning effort.

“I think it was a really good competition and practice for us to get our plays settled and keep our composure,” Montanez said. “It helped prepare us for Wednesday’s game.”

Greenwich Academy (6-1) visits crosstown rival Sacred Heart Greenwich today (April 23) at 4 p.m. in what is always a much-anticipated matchup. The Tigers are in the midst of having another outstanding lacrosse season.

Against Hopkins, GA also received one goal apiece from senior attack Chloe Cook, sophomore midfielder/defender Niamh Cooney, freshman midfielder Winnie Newman and freshman midfielder Caitlyn Tsai. The home victory improved the Gators’ FAA record to 5-0. GA has also defeated FAA foes Greenwich Country Day School, School of the Holy Child, Hamden Hall Country Day School and Greens Farms Academy so far this season.

Indeed, Greenwich Academy has played a busy schedule the past two weeks and has experienced much success.

“We’ve had a lot of games in a very short amount of time,” GA first-season coach Tee Ladouceur said. “There was an eight-game span where we only had two practices, which is not easy when you’re a new coach trying to teach a new style and a new rhythm.”

“That’s a testament to what they’ve already built here before I got here and to how dedicated these girls are to each other and to GA,” xxx continued. “They are really willing to adapt and play hard for each other.”

Entering the second half with an 11-1 halftime advantage, the Gators got goals from Lane, Montanez, Blanc, Newman and Iles in the second half. The hosts received contributions from all its athletes throughout the matchup.

“I think our team right now is working really well together,” Montanez said. “It was awesome, changing the middie line, changing the ‘D.'”

Freshman Lauren Connell earned the win in goal for the Gators, who were led defensively by senior captain Lila Volpe. GA knows it must play at its highest level against longtime rival Sacred Heart Greenwich this afternoon.

“I want to make sure our girls play with GA pride and make sure they play for each other and be proud when they walk off the field,” Ladouceur said of her squad facing Sacred Heart Greenwich.

One of the numerous bright spots GA has shown thus far this season is the performance level of its underclassmen athletes that are new to the team.

“They have such a good energy about them,” Ladouceur said. “They don’t seem nervous, they work hard and it makes me really excited for the future, because we are graduating a talented class this season.”