KENNEBUNK — After winning its first three games by a combined score of 44-6, the host Kennebunk girls lacrosse team had its hands full against Greely, grinding out a tough 11-8 win.

Kyra Schwartzman led the Rams with four goals, while Hallie Schwartzman and Jenny Bush scored two and Carly Sandler, Olivia Sandford and Kristen Koch each added one.

Meghan O’Donovan led Greely with three goals, while Courtney Sullivan added two and Kelsey Otley, Ellie Schad and Katherine Leggat-Barr all had one.

Kennebunk coach Annie Barker was pleased with her team and felt that a close win was a good experience moving forward.

“It’s important for us … and I think it came at a good time. They faced adversity and were able to get themselves out of it,” said Barker.

The Rams came out hot early, gaining a 4-0 lead with two goals from Kyra Schwartzman and scores from Hallie Schwartzman and Bush in the opening 15 minutes.

Greely battled back, going on 5-2 run in the final minutes of the half, making it a tight 6-5 score. Sandford and Kyra Schwartzman scored the Kennebunk goals during that stretch.

Barker believed that the Rams were not used to being pushed as hard as Greely pushed them in the opening half.

“I think that we just didn’t know how to react since it hadn’t happened to us yet,” said Barker. “We told them at half that they had to start playing as a team because our attackers were just taking it straight to the net, you need to have everyone in on it.”

Barker’s advice worked as the Rams got on the board in the opening minute of the second. However, Greely responded and the two teams went goal-for-goal the next 10 minutes, leading to an 8-7 Kennebunk lead midway through the half.

In the remaining 15 minutes, the Rams took the momentum and completed a 3-1 run to secure the win.

Part of the Rams’ struggles also came from shot selection according to Barker, as well as Greely’s fast squad.

“We took a lot of shots at the goalie tonight, which is something that we don’t typically do. Our shot selection wasn’t great tonight. (Greely) is much faster than we are, so sometimes you can have the best skills but if someone is faster they can beat you,” said Barker.

In the final minutes, Barker felt that Kennebunk’s success was more mental than physical.

“I just think they dug deep,” said Barker.

Looking ahead, Barker hopes her team continues to grow as a unit as well as play smart.

“We just need to keep playing together as a team and make good decisions out there. If we do that then good things will happen to us,” said Barker.

The Rams, who improved to a perfect 4-0 on the season, will host Cape Elizabeth on Wednesday.

— Sports Staff Writer Alex Sponseller can be reached at [email protected] or at 282-1535 ext. 323. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.