Mathewson, Garnet Valley make good on second try against Carroll
ASTON — Garnet Valley and Archbishop Carroll played a nonleague game three weeks ago, and the Catholic League champion Patriots rolled to a one-sided decision over the defending PIAA champion Jaguars.
“That game was like scouting for us,’ Jaguars junior defender Michelle Koscinski said Wednesday, after Garnet Valley earned a 14-10 decision over Carroll in the rematch, which took place in the opening round of the PIAA Girls Lacrosse Tournament at Neumann University.
“We saw what they did, and we were confident if we played Garnet Valley lacrosse this time, we would win.’
The Jaguars scored the first three goals Wednesday, then Anna Murphy (two) and Avery Murphy answered for Carroll (19-2). The Jags used a four goals in seven minutes run to take an 8-6 advantage at halftime.
Emily Mathewson (five goals, four assists) scored 13 seconds before the break, but Meghan Matey countered for Carroll 11 seconds later.
If the Pats had any momentum from their late score, it went away in the first 10 minutes of the second half as freshman Kamryn McNeal scored twice and Mathewson finished a free position play to give GV a four-goal cushion.
“We looked like a different team this time,’ Koscinski said. “We played as a team, and we really turned it on.’
The Murphys cut Garnet Valley’s lead to two goals, but Mathewson was deadly on a pair of 8-meter shots, the second giving her 200 career goals.
“She’s unbelievable,’ Koscinski said. “She’s just got that attitude that she’s going to get those goals, and we see that at practice when we have to defend against her.’
Practice at Garnet Valley (14-9) this week will now center on preparations for Saturday’s second-round state matchup with Manheim Township, which beat Shady Side Academy Wednesday, 22-10.
Mathewson, who spent her weekend at the Schoolgirls National Tournament at Lehigh University, said her team’s practices earlier in the week were very focused.
“Monday was about defense and Tuesday was about offense,’ she said. “We wanted to show that we were ready to defend our championship. It was about playing Garnet Valley lacrosse.’
Part of the Jaguars’ philosophy is team play.
“Getting 200 goals is nice, but I couldn’t have done it without my teammates,’ Mathewson said. “I have to thank every one of them.’
Avery Murphy, who is headed to Ohio State, finished with four goals and one assist for Carroll.
“Things just didn’t go our way tonight,’ Murphy said. “But there’s no use being sad about it. There will be other seasons.’
Garnet Valley coach Jenny Purvis was delighted that Mathewson and the rest of the Jaguars came through after their earlier setback at Carroll.
“I’m so happy for Emily,’ Purvis said. “But I think she’s more excited that we get to stay together and keep playing.’
