O’Brien scores 100th, Garnet Valley returns to form in district opener

CONCORD >> Scoring her 100th career goal Tuesday was news to Garnet Valley junior Madi O’Brien.

“I had no clue,” O’Brien said. “I was like, ‘Why is everyone screaming my name?’ I didn’t know why.”

After a while, keeping track becomes a tedious exercise. As O’Brien noted, it’s her job to fire lasers past the goalie.

“Exactly,” she said, laughing. “It’s what I’m supposed to do.”

The information was disseminated over the public address system at Moe DeFrank Stadium, and “Madi O” got to briefly celebrate and accept

compliments from coaches and teammates.

“It’s pretty cool,” she said.

O’Brien’s goal milestone highlighted a tremendous effort by No. 4 Garnet Valley, which disposed of 29th-seeded Kennett, 19-7, in the first round of the District One tournament.

Garnet Valley hosts 13th-seeded Plymouth Whitemarsh in a second-round game Thursday at 5 p.m.

Emily Mathewson led the Jaguars (14-4-1) with five goals and an assist. O’Brien netted four goals, while Kamryn McNeal and Camryn Faith each added a hat trick. Rachel Warden was excellent on defense and goalie Lauren Kinnee made four saves.

Garnet Valley jumped out to a 5-0 lead over the Blue Demons in the first eight minutes of regulation. They dominated draw controls and overwhelmed the offensive zone.

It was just the type of performance the Jags needed.

“We have that one-game-at-a-time mentality right now,” O’Brien said. “We have to focus on the here and now.”

Garnet Valley ended its regular season with only one win in its final four contests. The 1-3-1 record included a two-overtime tie with Strath Haven and losses to Conestoga, Great Valley and Abington.

But it’s no surprise the Jaguars started their playoff run with a blowout against an overmatched Kennett squad.

This is Garnet Valley’s time of year.

The two-time defending PIAA champions believe they will peak at the right time. Last year, they overcame a sluggish regular season and an early exit in districts to make it all the way to Hershey.

The Jags know what it takes to win it all, and that gives them an edge over everyone else.

“We’re trying to get there,” O’Brien said. “It’s been different. We’ve come off a couple of hard games, so this game really meant a lot to us.  Our mentality and our saying is, it’s the new season.”

Kennett was led on the scoreboard by Victoria Gallivan, who had three goals and an assist. Aubrey Robinson chipped in with two goals.

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Tuesday was a busy day for Garnet Valley’s Kylie Young.

The senior defender attended the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame’s Delaware County Chapter spring sports awards luncheon at the Heritage Room in Barnaby’s of Ridley Township.  Young was among several Delco high school athletes honored for their excellence in sports and academics.

“It was awesome, just to be honored with that group of people,” said Young, who will continue her lacrosse career at Lafayette. “(Garnet Valley athletic director) Mr. (Seth) Brunner nominated me and I said, ‘Wow, me? Really?’ It was a good experience.  Our principal Mr. (Stephen) Brandt came with us and my parents came, too.”

Young remembers the excitement and shock of hearing that she had been chosen.

“I was eating lunch and Mr. Brunner came up to me and said, ‘Hey, you won!’ I couldn’t believe it when he told me,” she said.

“It was definitely very exciting for me. It was a huge honor.”

Young made it back to school in plenty of time for pregame warmups and to help lead a strong performance from the GV defensive unit.