Cardinal O’Hara goes on the attack, tops rival Archbishop Wood

WARMINSTER — It starts with a save by goalie Mackenzie Hand and quite often ends with a score by one of its speedy attackers.

Cardinal O’Hara’s dangerous fast break was working its magic on Tuesday afternoon against rival Archbishop Wood.

“They work great together,” Lions coach Jen Armstrong said after her squad’s Philadelphia Catholic League battle with the Vikings. “We have some very unselfish girls that are working on different skills in the game. Our girls really hustle.”

Five different players had a goal or an assist and several more contributed in other ways as the Lions sprinted to a 17-6 victory over the Vikes on a cool, sunny day at Wood.

“We’re looking to improve with every game as the season goes on,” Armstrong said.

Claire Natoli led the way with eight goals and she also added two assists, as the Lions built plenty of momentum heading into a Thursday night home matchup with Archbishop Carroll.

“A lot of us work together really well – a lot of us play club together – and it really benefits our team because we have those connections and that chemistry,” said Natoli, who has 80 goals this season along with 111 draw controls.

Natoli will be playing at The University of South Florida next season. She is in the midst of a stellar season for the Lions.

“We have a couple big games coming up so we’re getting prepared,” said the senior, who had another 10 draw controls Tuesday. “We’re ready to play.”

Carley Smith, Honor Breen and Maddie Sharkey each added hat tricks for the Lions, who had many sticks at work.

Said Armstrong: “Our goalie, Mack, has done a great job as a field player after she makes her saves. So she contributes to the offense. We try to fast break right off of that goalie save.”

The Lions jumped out early and led 7-2 at the break.

The young Vikings, led by Tess Waltrich’s three goals, put together some nice stretches. They now get ready for a road game at Lansdale Catholic on Thursday.

“We’ve been improving last season and this season in terms of fitness, stick skills and lacrosse I.Q. so hopefully we keep building on that in the next couple years,” said coach Erin Eckert.

Cardinal O’Hara 17, Archbishop Wood 6

O’Hara 7 10 – 17

Wood 2 4 – 6

O’Hara goals-assists: Claire Natoli 8-2, Carley Smith 3-1, Honor Breen 3-1, Maddie Sharkey 3-0, Grace Kalinchak 0-1.

Wood goals-assists: Grace Hoeger 1-1, Lily Auxer 1-0, Hailey McHugh 1-0, Tess Waltrich 3-1.

Saves: Mackenzie Hand (CO) 7; Marina Mersch (CO) 4; Molly White (AW) 1; Kanielle Rice (AW) 2.