Archbishop Wood too much for Lansdale Catholic in PCL semis

ASTON — As Wednesday’s Philadelphia Catholic League girls lacrosse semifinal game ended the Lansdale Catholic players rushed to goalie Helen Cooney and celebrated. Archbishop Wood did the same, although it was Wood who emerged the victor — at least in the game — 21-2.

“I told the girls before the game I couldn’t have been more proud of a group of girls in my entire life,’ LC coach Alexis Setley said.

The difference between the teams was one team, Wood, expected to be there, while Lansdale Catholic was happy to be there. The fact the Crusaders even found themselves in the PCL semis was a huge testament to a team and program still in its infancy stages of building.

“This group of girls did everything they possibly could to fight as hard as they could,’ Setley said.

For the Vikings, they took care of business with scary efficiency. Wood dominated the game in every fashion, significantly winning the shots, ground ball, draw control and possession edge.

The catalysts for the Wood offensive machine were seniors Marah Hayes and Tess Wild. Both ended the day with six goals and two assists apiece.

“We just really wanted to really take care of the ball and make a statement in that way,’ Archbishop Wood coach Dipi Bhaya said. “I was very proud of our team and the girls played hard. It’s fun to watch when things finally come together.’

It was apparent that Lansdale Catholic’s big win over Cardinal O’Hara in the first round of the Catholic League playoffs officially made the its season a success and the Crusaders were playing with house money.

Wood, however, expected to be in the situation it found itself, with an opportunity to go to the PCL final.

“We have a goal in mind and we’re trying to shoot for that goal,’ Bhaya said. “It started from today’s game and that’s what we were trying to do, just keep building off of it. Trust me, we didn’t come into this game lightly.’

For LC, its season ends on a loss but nothing short of successful. For the program’s first year under Setley, the Crusaders should have a solid foundation for a building program.

“I already told the AD don’t worry you’re not doing five coaches in five years,’ Setley said. “As much as they would have liked to play (in the final) on Monday they beat my expectation by a long shot.’

For Wood, it moves on to a date with Archbishop Carroll in the Catholic League final. The meeting marks the ninth time the teams have met in the PCL championship game with the Patriots winning the previous eight installments. Carroll won the regular season matchup 17-3.