Saturday’s doubleheader at the WLL Lexus Championship Series reinforced how quickly momentum can shift in the Sixes format. Across California vs. Boston and New York vs. Maryland, transition execution and defensive adjustments defined outcomes, as four teams revealed early identities in the race for round-robin positioning.
California Palms 22, Boston Guard 15
Box score | Game highlights | Postgame press conference
Palms: Transition sets the tone amid a rising star
California got five goals from five different players in the first four minutes and never strayed far from that formula. The Palms’ efficiency around the crease was paired with quick outlet passes and long-range connection plays that turned defense into immediate offense.
Head coach Maddy Buss said the emphasis on transition was intentional.
“We definitely talked about it beforehand, how we were going to be a little different than last year,” Buss said. “We have more horses in our stable. Everyone can play both sides of the ball… there’s just no weak link on our team.”
That versatility showed up statistically and stylistically, but it was most visible in Jill Smith’s WLL debut. Smith finished with seven goals, repeatedly capitalizing on backside movement and transition spacing.
“When I got drafted, I was just happy to get drafted,” Smith said. “My teammates have given me so much confidence. … The reason I was open was because people on the backside were getting through. It’s a full team effort.”
California also controlled the game defensively, with 11 second-half saves from Taylor Moreno and a fourth-quarter shutout that preserved its lead.
Guard: Adjustments arrived — but after the runs
Boston dropped to 0-2 in the round robin, and the pattern was familiar in this one: response after damage. The Guard used first- and second-quarter timeouts to address California’s inside attack and transition speed, and a third-quarter goalie change to Brittany Reed sparked a brief three-goal surge.
But each adjustment followed a California run — a four-goal burst to open the third, then another closing stretch after a Palms timeout. In Sixes, where possessions flip quickly, reacting late can widen margins fast.
Boston’s mid-to-long-range shooting and veteran presence kept stretches competitive, but the defending champions were outscored 9-4 after halftime.
Maryland Charm 18, New York Charging 12
Box score | Game highlights | Postgame press conference
Charm: Defensive pressure fuels offensive runs
Maryland’s first win of the Championship Series was built on defensive structure and timely scoring bursts.
After a tight first half that featured five ties and four lead changes, the Charm used a decisive four-goal run late in the second quarter to seize control. From the 3:12 mark of the second through the third quarter, Maryland outscored New York 9-3.
Head coach Emily Parros emphasized defensive discipline entering the matchup.
“New York has a lot of offensive firepower,” Parros said. “For us, it was making sure that we have good slides, good energy on defense, getting out on ball … and on the offensive side, it’s really letting them play.”
Goalie Caylee Waters anchored that effort with 11 saves, including three late stops that directly led to transition goals.
Offensively, balance defined Maryland’s attack. Ally Kennedy (5G), Ashley Humphrey (2G, 3A) and Grace Griffin (4G, 1A) each recorded five points.
“I’ve been very pleasantly surprised at how quickly our team has meshed together,” Humphrey said. “Our chemistry off the field is really translating on the field.”
Charging: Chances created, chances missed
New York generated opportunities throughout the game but could not sustain efficiency. Eight first-quarter turnovers set an early tone, and while goalie Madison Doucette helped stabilize with key saves, the Charging offense never found a consistent rhythm.
Maryland’s defense limited top scorers Izzy Scane and Emily Hawryschuk to one combined goal in the first half, forcing New York into perimeter looks and rushed attempts. The Charging went without an assist in the first half and closed the second quarter on a four-and-a-half-minute scoring drought.
Even in the third and fourth quarters, when New York found small bursts of momentum, shots off the cage and empty possessions prevented a full comeback.
New York finished with stretches of pressure but lacked the finish to match Maryland’s runs, falling to 1-1 in the tournament.
