Less than two weeks removed from a classic lacrosse match, which came down to sudden-death overtime, the Cape Coral Seahawks and Bishop Verot Vikings were back at it again Monday night at Viking Stadium.

The rematch was every bit as competitive.

Neither team led by more than two goals. Eventually, Verot took an 11-9 lead in the back-and-forth match on a goal by Karoline Kujawa and that score held up over the final 11 minutes.

It’s the Seahawks’ second loss to the Vikings, the defending district champion, but another step in the right direction for the third-year program.

“It’s always disappointing,” said Cape coach Laurie Rinehart, “but I’m really proud of the girls. This team won district last year. It just shows we can compete and now we know what we need to work on.”

The Seahawks (2-3) have continued that approach since the program launched, consistently adding new players, helping them develop their skills and trying to catch up competitively to more advanced teams like Verot and Fort Myers.

There were times over the past couple of years when the Seahawks flashed their talent but lacked the defense and goaltending to slow down the opposing team.

The losses to the Vikings this season have shown more balance, offensively and defensively.

Junior goalkeeper Tara Murza has improved with experience. She made 19 saves against the Vikings Monday.

Junior Jamie Whetsell led the offense with five goals. Chloe Hutchins, Alex Gibson, Tania Trujillo and Caryn Rhodes each scored once.

The Vikings (5-1) lost 10 of their top players from last season, but continue to be a strong team under coach Kathy Rose.

Emily Ginns led a balanced attack Monday with four goals. Kujawa and Jessica Mattfield each scored twice. Goalkeeper Liz Ivy made 15 saves.

The Vikings led 4-2 with six minutes left in the first half, then Whetsell began to dominate the action for the Seahawks. She scored twice to cut the lead to 6-5 at halftime.

The Vikings adjusted defensively in the second half and focused more on Whetsell, forcing her to pass or shoot from an awkward position.

Trailing 11-9, the Seahawks continued to press the action and swarm the Vikings’ goal, particularly in the final two minutes, but the Viking defense dropped a lot of defenders close to the net. It prevented the Seahawks from getting shots through. When they did, Ivy made the saves to preserve the win.

Basketball

The Southwest Florida High School Basketball All-Star Event is next Monday at Bishop Verot’s John J. Nevins Gymnasium.

Regional quarterfinalist Ida Baker is represented by three players – Zach Campbell, John Skinner and Gabe Rodriguez. Cape High’s Cameron Hall and North’s Michael Malaise also are among the participating seniors.

The girls’ game starts at a 6 p.m. followed by the boys’ game at 8 p.m.

Softball

North Fort Myers 7, Mariner 3: Mariah Fernandez (3-for-4) cracked a three-run home run in the third inning to spark North Fort Myers to victory over Mariner Monday night.

Jackie Owen (8-0) scattered six hits and struck out six to earn the win for the undefeated Red Knights. Owen also contributed at the plate with two hits, including a triple.

Mariner (2-4) plays at East Lee County Tuesday while North (9-0) plays at Lehigh Thursday.

Mariner 010 002 0 – 3 6 2

North Ft. Myers 104 011 x – 7 9 0

W – Jackie Owen (8-0). L – Carrie Grigiski.

3B – Jackie Owen (NFM). HR – Mariah Fernandez (NFM).