Wissahickon stays perfect, beats rival Plymouth Whitemarsh

LOWER GWYNEDD >> Somehow, more than ever, this season has brought the Wissahickon girls lacrosse team closer together.

“I think we’re finally learning how to connect with each other on the field because we really haven’t been able to off the field with (the pandemic),” said the Trojans’ Abby DeGroat.

“So it’s really nice to connect with the passes, find out what works and what doesn’t. It’s making us stronger going into the playoffs.”

The Suburban One League American Conference Champs were at their cohesive best on Wednesday night, raising their unbeaten record to 16-0 with a 13-8 win over rival Plymouth Whitemarsh.

“I think we did a good job today with our passing, rather than just having drives all the time,” DeGroat said. “And that really helped us against a strong defense.”

DeGroat and Emma Baker each scored four goals for the Wiss attack. Lexi Hobson and Quinn Gaffey each scored two, and Sophia Chiodo Ortiz chipped in a goal.

“That was a nice win,” Trojans coach Jamie Kane said. “You gotta hand it to PW. They were really well prepared. And I feel like they were connecting.

“I can only remember two unforced errors on their part. So I feel like that team works really hard and you can see it.”

PW, in the hunt for a district-playoff spot, was led by Brianna Austin’s four goals. The Colonials’ quick offense generated plenty of pressure on the turf at Wiss.

“They were doubling at good angles, ripping their shots the minute they were near the eight and they were going in,” Kane said. “So that’s good pressure to prepare for. It was a nice test to prepare for, for future playoff games. Because there’s all different types of offenses.”

Wiss’ defense was up to the challenge and played one of its most solid games of the season.

The Colonials put together good stretches but want to tighten their focus on certain areas of their game.

“The draw control killed us,” Colonials coach Ellen K. Reilly said. “It was tight back and forth at times but we can’t lose possession of the ball, whether it’s on the offensive end or on the draw, and think (Wissahickon’s) not gonna capitalize.

“They have a good, experienced group of players and those kids know how to attack.”

PW pushes forward.

“Hopefully, this is a learning experience for our younger kids,” Reilly said. “You gotta learn how to compete against good teams if you want to be good. And we did, but not enough tonight. Not enough on the draw.”

Wissahickon aims to close out its regular season and begin the postseason with the same type of surge.

“You can tell that they’ve each honed their games individually,” Kane said. “And then, together, this season, they really gelled. A lot of our seniors and juniors just feed so well off of each other that it leads to positive things. It’s beautiful lacrosse.”