Wissahickon makes statement in win over Norristown
LOWER GWYNEDD — Ask those who follow Suburban One League American Conference girls lacrosse and they’ll tell you the wise money for a conference champ this year is on defending champ Hatboro-Horsham, or perhaps even Abington.
Ask that same question on the sidelines of Wissahickon, and the Trojans will proudly pump out their collective chests and point directly at themselves.
“I’m really excited about this team,’ said Trojans goaltender Julie Silverman, after Wissahickon eased past Norristown, 20-4, Thursday. “Wissahickon lacrosse hasn’t been this good in a while.
“I think we’re capable of shocking some of the big teams out there.’
The key to the excitement is the Trojans’ ability to play well as a unit.
While much of the on-field attention has been focused on Lauren Irvine, an Old Dominion commit, the Trojans say there is more to them than their splendid senior.
“Since everybody knows who Lauren is, when she’s being faceguarded, we have a lot of other people who can step in and create chances,’ said sophomore midfielder Emily Vervlied. “We work well as a team.’
That team-first trait was prominently on display against Norristown, as the Trojans got goals from nine different players and had the continuous clock running before halftime.
Shannon Stagliano scored just 25 seconds into the game to Wissahickon in front. Then after Norristown’s Stephanie Dimitry tied it, the Trojans ran off the game’s next nine goals and never looked back.
The game Eagles battled back, using goals from Brihanna McIntyre and Dimitry to draw within 10-3, but the Trojans defense tightened and Norristown would not score again until the game’s final 5:00.
“Our defense has been terrific, especially our communication and our slides,’ said Trojans head coach Patty Kovacs. “When we’re winning draws and are patient on offense, everyone is getting involved and everybody is scoring.’
While the Trojans have won eight of 10 games this year, they still have yet to take on many of the teams that they’ll have to get past if they want to win a league title.
But that doesn’t mean they aren’t primed for the challenge.
“I think we’re up to it,’ Vervlied said. “When we played Souderton (in a non-league game), that put us to the test. We didn’t win, but that’s the kind of team we all want to play.’
END LINES: Norristown’s Brihanna McIntyre, a speedy freshman who is seen as a possible future star, left the game in the first half after experiencing difficulty breathing. While she appeared to be fine, she was tended to by Ambler paramedics who took her to Abington Memorial Hospital for precautionary reasons. … Lana Doskicz led Wissahickon with two goals and five assists, while Lauren Irvine had three goals and two assists, Emily Vervlied had five goals and one assist and Shannon Stagliano and Marie Dickson each had three goals.
