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Patriots win one for those they lost

Memories of two loved ones gave Carroll an emotional lift as it cruised to another title.

The two rainbows lighting up the sky before last night's Catholic League girls' lacrosse championship game were a clear sign for the Archbishop Carroll players.

In their view, one rainbow represented Olivia and Amanda Salata's mother, Donna, who died in November after a 10-year battle with breast cancer. The other symbolized Chris Jones, a former Carroll student and lacrosse player who died last year.

"It motivated us, definitely, for the game," said Olivia Salata, a senior standout for the Patriots. "It lifted our spirits."

On an emotional high, the Patriots received five goals from Gabby Capuzzi and four from Olivia Salata en route to a 17-4 rout of Archbishop Wood at St. Joseph's University. In beating the Vikings in the league final for the fourth consecutive year, Carroll captured its eighth straight title.

Carroll has won 107 consecutive Catholic League games.

"We didn't want to be that team that loses the streak," Capuzzi said. "We went into every game with a chip on our shoulders."

Capuzzi, a central midfielder headed to Ohio State, netted four of her five goals in the first half, and the Patriots (16-4) entered the break with a commanding 8-2 advantage. Over the last two seasons, she has netted 108 goals.

Olivia Salata, a low attack, had two goals in each half. The Monmouth recruit finished the season with 39 goals. Her sister, Amanda, is a junior reserve low attack.

In honor of Donna Salata, the Patriots wear red-colored bands around their legs. "She was my No. 1 fan," Olivia Salata said. "She's always on our minds."

Annie Brophy, a 5-foot-1 senior, produced two goals against the overmatched Vikings (16-3). She will continue her career and join her sister, Jess, at James Madison.

In 10 seasons, coach Lorraine Beers has guided Carroll to a 115-3 record in the Catholic League.

"She turned the program around," said Annie Brophy, who totaled 38 goals this season. "She's an amazing coach. And she really sacrifices for her players. She does way more than she has to do."

For Wood, which was trying to avenge last year's 16-3 championship loss, senior Taylor Peltzer had two goals.

Archbishop Wood 2 2 - 4

Archbishop Carroll 8 9 - 17

Goals: AW–Taylor Peltzer 2, Kaitlyn McCartney, Andrea Duca; AC–Gabby Capuzzi 5, Olivia Salata 4, Annie Brophy 2, Aimee Gennaro 2, Kaitlin Harris, Maggie Mauer, Caitlin McNichol, Laura Beck.

Saves: AW–Kate Smart 9; Meg Corliss 4.