Main Line lacrosse wrap-up: Agnes Irwin defeats NJ powerhouse Moorestown
For the second year in a row, the Agnes Irwin lacrosse team accomplished something very few high school lacrosse teams dream of doing even once, defeating perennial New Jersey powerhouse Moorestown. In 2015, the Owls went on the road and handed the Quakers their first loss at home since 2011. This year, AIS (13-4, 8-1) successfully defended their home turf, Phelps Field, , knocking off Moorestown 12-10, Thursday.
“Our whole team contributed today and we played some of our best lacrosse of the season,” said AIS head coach Jenny Duckenfield. “These girls have overcome so much adversity this season and they have refused to give up or give in. I give credit to the girls and I am proud of them today and every day.”
After AIS jumped out to an early lead, Moorestown battled back to tie the game 5-5 at the half. The Quakers opened a two-goal lead in the second half before Lila Barker (5g) and Kristin Burnetta (1g, 2a) connected for the tying and go-ahead goals for the Owls. Freshman goalie Camilla Gowen made a final save on a Moorestown free position shot to close out the game.
“I really have to hand it to our defense,” said Duckenfield. “The combination of a strong face guard on their leading scorer by Maria Pansini and stand out games by Alicia O’Neil and Kate White made the difference today.”
In other Main Line high school lacrosse action:
Harriton (girls) broke open a 2-2 contest with 8 straight goals and rolled to a 14-8 victory over Strath Haven Thursday. Ram leaders included Alex Ladda (five goals, two draw controls), Molly McDonough (three goals, two caused turnovers), Greta Stahl (three goals, three assists, 10 draw controls), Liv Tevis (one goal), Claudia Conrad (two goals), Haley Morris (two draw controls) and Devin McClain (nine saves).
Shipley (boys) improved to 8-6 (3-0 Friends Schools League), with an 18-14 win against George School Tuesday. The Gators received fine defensive play from Nick Gonzalez , Trevor Green, Nick Ragaglia, Zach Bradlow and Zach Henry. Offensively, the leaders were Tate Gallagher (three goals, four assists), Frank Campanale (six goals, four assists), Nick Yi (two goals, one assist, five ground balls), Pete Moeller (five goals, two assists), Chad Allison (one goal, three assists), Amir Fluellen (one goal, four assists), Griff Gallagher (one assist), Nick Gonzalez (one assist, seven ground balls) and Colton Gallo (four saves).
Baldwin School defeated Germantown Academy, 14-12, Tuesday. Leaders for the Polar Bears included Izzy Schaeffer (three goals, one assist, one ground ball, one draw control), Ryanna Neuman (one goal, three ground balls, one draw control), Marissa McGarrey (seven goals, one ground ball, two draw controls), Eliza Thaler (one draw control), Myla Barnett (three goals, two assists, one ground ball, three draw controls), Olivia Dewitt (three cuased turnovers, three ground balls), Carrie Schaeffer (two caused turnovers, one ground ball, one draw control), Julia Grietzer (one ground ball, two interceptions), Hayden Ive, one draw control), Lauren Bracken (one ground ball), Celia Page (one ground ball) and Shayna Silverman (11 saves).
Harriton (boys) defeated Upper Darby, 14-1, Tuesday. Leaders for the Rams included Marc Margolis (three goals, one assist), Charlie Veasey (two goals, two assists), Patrick Stewart (two goals, two assists), Will Stahl (two goals, one assist), Hakan Atillasoy (two goals, one assist), Justin Kruszewski (one goal, one assist), Michael Stewart (two goals), Co Czworkowski (two asssists), Brian Stewart (one assist) and Jack Turner (13 saves).
Agnes Irwin picked up an InterAc road win Tuesday, defeating Springside Chestnut Hill 20-2. The Owls (12-4, 7-1 InterAc) offense was unstoppable led by Kristin Burnetta (three goals, five assists) and Laura Pansini (four goals, four assists) with eight points each. Lila Barker added four goals and three assists. AIS goalie Hailey Andress was at the top of her game, making eight saves and picking up three ground balls. Annie Hepburn shined in the midfield causing two turnovers, picking up two ground balls, and controlling one draw. The AIS defense of Kate White, Sarah Platt, Emma Macaione, Brynn Smith, Maria Pansini, and Meredith Murphy held SCHA scoreless in the second half.
Villa Maria Academy defeated Sacred Heart, 18-5, Tuesday. The Hurricanes were led by Brianne Bamber (two goals), Lauren Dunn (four goals), Lucy Meehan (three goals, two assists), Annina Iacobucci (two goals, three assists), Audrey Fantazzia (five goals, one assist), Lizzy Walheim (one goal), Bryn Carickhoff (one goal, one assist) and Sarah Moffit (five ground balls).
Haverford School defeated Episcopal Academy, 12-5, Tuesday. The Fords were led by Johnny Nostrant (three goals), Forry Smith (three goals), Luke Desperito (one assist), Keyveat Postell (four assists), Dox Aitken (two goals, one assist), Tommy McNamara (two goals), Luke O’Grady (one goal), Adam Salvagio (one goal), Austin Helms (one assist), Alec Haas (one assist), Ryan Jacob (one assist), Peter Garno (one assist), goalie Alex deMarco (10 saves) and goalie Parker Henderer (five saves).