The Londonderry High School girls’ lacrosse team has opened the 2026 season with a strong showing, posting two impressive wins against quality opponents after a competitive loss in its season opener.
The Lancers began the year on Monday, April 13, at home, with a 13-9 loss to Bishop Guertin, a perennial Division I contender, but showed offensive balance and resilience throughout the match-up.
Midfielder Eres Delorey led the way with three goals and two assists, while Summer Butler added two goals. Attackers Cora Rogers and Lexi Padykula each scored twice and added an assist, and Annabelle Melia chipped in a goal. Defender Molly Leone contributed two draw controls, and Molly Connors added an assist.
The Lady Lancers rebounded quickly, earning a statement 14-10 road win over the Bedford Bulldogs, another top-ranked team, on April 17.
The Lancers’ offense was firing on all cylinders, with Butler, Padykula and Delorey each scoring four goals. Butler also added three assists, while Padykula and Delorey each had one. Rogers contributed two goals and an assist in the win.
Delorey controlled the midfield with four draw controls, while Leone added three. Defensively, Londonderry received a strong team effort from Avery Stowell, Madison Grennon, Leone and Mel Kowack, with Molly Tharrington anchoring the effort in net.
The momentum continued the following day with a dramatic 8-7 victory over Central Catholic of Lawrence, Mass. – the Division I state champion in that state in 2024.
Padykula delivered the game-winning goal with just 30 seconds remaining, her fifth goal of the contest and a standout performance in a tightly contested game.
Butler added a goal and two assists, while Delorey contributed two goals and an assist. Goaltender Abby Cook played a key role in securing the win, finishing with eight saves against one of the region’s top programs.
Through the first three games, Londonderry has demonstrated both offensive firepower and the ability to compete with high-level teams.
With multiple players contributing across the field and strong early-season results, the Lancers appear poised to be a contender in Division I as the season progresses.
The team took on Nashua North on Monday, beating them 17-0 and will move on to games at Exeter High School (2-1) on Wednesday and home against Salem (0-3) on Friday, starting at 4 p.m.