Steady progress continues for the Mexico girls lacrosse team, which is competing in its first varsity season.

That progress was measurable on Thursday, despite an 11-4 home loss to East Syracuse-Minoa.

Earlier this season, the Tigers fell 15-1 at ESM. The rematch was much more competitive. The Spartans tallied four goals on free-position shots and got 10 saves from talented goalie Carissa Ficarro to notch the win.

ESM raced to an 8-2 halftime lead, but after it netted the game’s first seven goals, it was a 4-4 contest the rest of the way.

“In the second half, we picked up our intensity, especially on the defensive end,” Mexico coach Dave Passer said. “We’re just working on our footwork, that’s the key. We had a few miscues in the transition game. That gave them a few more possessions, but we’re making progress.”

Laura Matthews scored four goals to lead the Spartans (7-6), who are ranked 16th in the state in Class B. Gina Campese added three goals for ESM.

The Tigers (3-11) got a pair of goals from sophomore Stevie Lombardoni. Also scoring goals were senior Kayla Lombardoni and sophomore Jessica Hayes. Goalie Cassie Delong finished with 12 saves, and the Tiger defense was strong in front of her.

“I’m especially proud of our underclassmen. Our sophomores and freshmen really stepped up,” Passer said. “Our two defensive wings that we play most of the game are both ninth-graders (Danielle Gushlaw and Heather Taylor). I think they really stepped up and played a big game.”

Prior to the game, Mexico paid tribute to its two seniors on Senior Night. Kayla Lombardoni and Hannah Akley were honored for their contributions to the program.

“Both have been playing summer league the last four years,” Passer said. “We’ve been with them through fall league, summer league, tournaments, and JV. It’s been a long ride, and it’s been a lot of fun. Both of them are nice girls.”

At the start of the game, the Spartans were able to find openings in front of the net for point-blank shots. Kristen Darcy scored with 20:49 left in the first half, and Alecia Shaffer followed with a goal just over a minute later.

Matthews had three first-half markers, the last of which gave ESM a 7-0 lead with 10:50 to play in the half.

Stevie Lombardoni scored on a couple of determined rushes to bring the Tigers to within 8-2 at intermission.

The Tigers closed down the middle defensively in the second half, stick-checking aggressively and forcing the Spartan attackers wide. This resulted in more even play in the second half.

The road doesn’t get any easier for Mexico. The Tigers will play at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Watertown, which is ranked 13th in the state.