FREDERICA — Cape Henlopen High set out to control the draws on Tuesday night and the Vikings did, just like they’ve controlled girls’ lacrosse in Delaware for nearly a decade.

Cape earned its ninth consecutive girls’ lacrosse DIAA state championship with a 19-7 victory over St. Mark’s at the DE Turf Sports Complex.

The Vikings won the first five draws of the game, which led to five unanswered goals in the first 5:16 of the night. Their advantage quickly built to a 13-4 halftime lead.

The 19 goals were the second-most all-time in a state championship behind only St. Andrew’s total of 20 in 2004.

Senior Evelyn Shoop paced the Vikings with five goals, including four in the first half. Shoop, like the rest of the Cape seniors, ended her career with four state titles and an unbeaten record against Delaware competition.

Cape Henlopen's girls lacrosse team celebrates on the field after beating St Mark's 19-7 Tuesday night for the DIAA championship (Special to the Delaware State News/Gary Emeigh)

“Our tradition is based on love,” Shoop said. “Every day we come out and we love each other so much. We’re so supportive of one another. It’s awesome.”

Cape coach Lindsey Eichner credited the Vikings’ success on draws to junior Annie Judge and senior Cailey Thornburg.

Victoria Lockwood of Cape Henlopen looks to pass after being blocked by a pair of St. Marks defenders in the first half of Tuesday nightÕs DIAA championship match. Special To The Delaware State News/Gary Emeigh

“We’re really lucky because we have three or four different girls who can take the draw,” Eichner said. “It’s just a matter of time. We can put them all in for us and see who wins for us. That really was key.”

Viking Evelyn Shoop trying to get possession of a loose ball at midfield.

“Once we get our rhythm going we never stop,” Shoop said.

While Cape winning the state championship is nothing new, this was a personal milestone for Eichner.

Cape midfielder Alia Marshall advances the ball up field in match Tuesday night against St. Mark's.

It is her first time capturing the title as the head coach after she took over for legendary coach P.J. Kesmodel after last year. Eichner was an assistant coach at Cape in 2016 and also coaches many of the girls during the summer.

“This senior class, I actually first coached them when they were in sixth or seventh grade,” Eichner said. “They know me and they know my style. P.J.’s been supportive the whole year. He’s been with us and if I have a question or anything I give him a call and he’s great.”

Cape Henlopen didn’t just hold a huge advantage in draws controlled, the Vikings capitalized on all that possession to out-shoot St. Mark’s 34-7.

Lindsay Monigle contributed a hat-trick while Thornburg, Chloe Schaeffer, Victoria Lockwood and Kaitlyn Klabe each had two-goal game. Judge won the most draws and also added a late goal.

“It gets nerve-wracking every year because we have to keep it up,” Judge said of keeping the streak of state titles going.

“But it’s a tradition. I love it.”