Durango Girls Lacrosse Crushes Santa Fe Prep 13-2 on Senior Night
The Durango High School girls lacrosse team roared back from its season’s toughest defeat with a commanding 13-2 victory over Santa Fe Prep, electrifying their senior night in front of a home crowd. The game unfolded Friday night in Durango, marking an emphatic statement after last week’s heavy loss to Palmer Ridge.
Durango dominated from the opening whistle, exploding for three goals within the first four minutes and never allowing Santa Fe Prep to establish any offensive momentum. The Demons’ defensive pressure was relentless—disrupting passes, locking down ground balls, and creating turnover after turnover that turned into fast-break scoring opportunities.
Senior Night Sparked by Fierce Defense and Explosive Offense
Demons head coach Eric Elliot highlighted his team’s undefeated record on senior nights, crediting the seniors’ leadership and performance for fueling the win.
“I think I’m undefeated on senior nights and so is the team, so that’s pretty good,” Elliot said.
Junior standout Indie Eaton spearheaded the attack with an overwhelming four goals and two assists, blending speed and precision to keep Santa Fe’s defense scrambling. Freshman Janelle Dingler impressed with three goals and three assists, while senior Taylor Babcock added three goals and an assist. The Demons’ junior goalie Jody Holden sealed the deal with six critical saves.
Sophomore Keelyn Reynolds was a defensive force, reportedly setting a new school record with 10 caused turnovers. Her anticipation and stick work repeatedly halted Santa Fe’s attempts to gain possession.
“It almost seems like she’s setting up her defender to go by her,” Elliot remarking on Reynolds’ defensive acumen. “She’s anticipating the pass and jumping in front of it like a hockey player.”
Dominant First Half Sets the Tone
The Demons stormed out with a seven-goal lead by halftime, consistently exploiting Santa Fe’s lack of rhythm and poor ball control. After a tightly contested first quarter that ended with Durango leading 3-1, the Demons surged in the second quarter to build an 8-1 edge. Eaton’s speed in transition was unmatched, and Dingler’s sharp shooting kept the pressure relentless.
Despite several close-range saves by Santa Fe’s keeper, Durango maintained its grip on the game throughout.
Strong Senior Leadership Defines Victory
The second half saw Durango control possession and tempo, limiting Santa Fe’s offensive chances. The senior players shined in the final minutes, with Babcock assisting Eaton’s goal and senior Scarlett Ramsey scoring her second goal of the season, punctuating the win.
Following the game, Durango honored seniors Babcock, Ramsey, and Laurel Dondlinger during a ceremony spotlighting their impact on the team.
“They mean everything,” Elliot said about his seniors. “Their leadership has been amazing, which has helped 10 new players integrate into the program. It’s hard to tell who is new now thanks to their mentorship.”
Looking Ahead: Next Matchup
With the win improving their record to 8-3, Durango prepares to host Telluride at home this Wednesday at 4 p.m.. The Demons aim to build on their senior night momentum as the season heats up.
Durango’s decisive victory and resilient comeback showcase the strength of their program and the vital role of veteran leadership. Fans in Alabama and across the country will be watching to see if this momentum propels them further into the playoffs this spring.
