photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Lawrence junior Stella Comparato kicks the ball in a 2-1 win over Gardner-Edgerton on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Lawrence.

Lawrence girls’ soccer beat Gardner Edgerton 2-1 on Tuesday, moving to 4-3 on the season and matching the highest win total since 2021.

“We wanted to compete in the Sunflower League, and we’ve been able to do that,” coach Joe Comparato said. “Every week, every game, we’ve come out better.”

The Lions had a slow start to the game offensively, as the team missed a few opportunities to finish goals. It’s been a recurring theme for the team, but the Lions have been able to hustle and come away with wins.

The Blazers took the lead with 11 minutes left in the first half. The Lions played well defensively, especially on 50-50 balls, and kept the Blazers from producing any more offense beyond the goal. Freshman goalkeeper Lillian Poteete had multiple stops and saves in the game while being scraped up from a few falls.

Thirteen minutes into the second half, the Lions made a big push toward the Blazers’ goal, leading to a penalty kick for junior Stella Comparato. She kicked it across the bottom-left of the net, tying the game.

Lawrence continued to defend well while the middle of the field controlled the ball. With under six minutes left in the game, junior Ginny Besson pushed the ball up the right side of the goal and kicked the ball over Gardner Edgerton’s goalkeeper, who crept up to contest Besson. Freshman Mary Jane Sachs caught up to the ball on the left side of the net and punched it through for the game-winning goal.

Poteete provided a couple of late saves for the Lions to help secure the win in the final minutes.

In the Lions’ four wins this season, the team has developed a penchant for scoring late when the team needs a goal.

“They have confidence — they know they’re going to score,” Joe Comparato said.

The Lions will travel to Mill Valley on Thursday at 7 p.m.