Sacred Heart wins fourth straight District 1 Class 2A title

BENSALEM >> Entering the 2019-2020 campaign, the Sacred Heart Academy basketball team had a chance for a history making season – win the District 1 Class 2A title for a fourth consecutive time.

Sparked by seniors Kayleigh Doyle, Amanda Heiman and Carina Fichera, the Lions roared past Bristol 51-25 in the title game Saturday at Bensalem High School

“I am so proud of them,” coach Zach Shuler said. “This is the first time in school history that we have won four consecutive district titles and I couldn’t be prouder of them. It was a tough schedule. They did not give up and they persevered.”

“I am struggling to put into words how I feel,” said Doyle, who finished with a game-high 15 points along with five rebounds and four assists. “I thought it was a possibility and we could not have achieved this goal without the tremendous support we had. This is something special.”

The Lions jumped out to a 25-2 lead after the first quarter thanks in part to Fichera, who tallied six of her eight points, along with a ferocious defense that forced 12 turnovers in the first eight minutes.

“We talked with the seniors before the start of the season and told them changing our defense would be good for us,” Shuler said. “I am so impressed with the way they bought in and owned it. They have been tremendous leaders for this team.”

Sophomore Ainsley Davis, who finished with 13 points and five rebounds added, “I love them (the seniors) so much. They have been there since my freshman year and we are so close on and off the court. I am so glad we were able to share this victory together.”

Sacred Heart advances to the PIAA Class 2A state tournament and will face the third seed from District 12 on March 6 at a time and location to be determined.