LAX: Royals turn away Dons in girls lacrosse opener

The girls lacrosse teams from long-time rivals San Marcos and Santa Barbara High debuted on Tuesday night at Warkentin Stadium with the Royals securing a 12-5 victory.

Lacrosse is a new CIF-sanctioned sport at San Marcos, Santa Barbara High and Dos Pueblos this spring. It’s the first new CIF sport introduced at the local public high schools since girls golf was installed in 1999.

San Marcos gained a 6-2 advantage at halftime before Santa Barbara closed the gap to 7-5 in the second half. A late offensive push by San Marcos upped the final goal differential.

Maria DeAngelis led Santa Barbara in scoring with three goals while the Dons coaching staff praised goalie Serafina Crannell for making 11 saves.

Santa Barbara will look for its first win on Thursday against Dos Pueblos.

San Marcos plays at Royal on Friday.