NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA-- Extra time was needed again to decide the game winner as defending Pennsylvania Independent School champion Episcopal Academy traveled to the home of PAISAA runner-up Baldwin School on Tuesday, September 24.
Some may say it was DeJa’Vu. Episcopal Academy had upset Baldwin in last year’s PAISAA championship game. After an intense double OT, the Churchwomen took home the trophy thanks to the game winning penalty kick from former senior Maddie Loughead (Univ. Of Richmond).
Fast forward to this season, Baldwin knew this game would be a nail-biter.
“With the result of last year’s final, every time we play EA, it’s a big game,” said senior co-captain Alex Loomis. “I knew I had to play my heart out. That’s exactly what I wanted to do today.”
After a scoreless first half, both teams gradually found their groove offensively.
Episcopal Academy vs. Baldwin School. (video-Dan McCarty)
Loomis gave Baldwin the first lead early in the second half. The 1-0 advantage for Baldwin did not last. Episcopal Academy senior forward Lauren Cunningham answered back two minutes later with a goal tying the game. The scored remained 1-1 for the rest of regulation.
“We knew that they obviously wanted revenge on us,” said Cunningham. “We knew they were going to come out strong. We needed to be prepared for it.”
The first overtime came and went as did most of the second. Both teams were playing hard defensively, physically manning the ball. The minutes seemed to wind down; the intensity not so much in what seemed like a match that would end in a draw.
But, Baldwin sophomore Clara Page had other plans. With one second left in double overtime, Page made her move commanding the ball driving it right towards EA’s goalkeeper.
“I just dribbled it down the field and scored,” said Page.
Baldwin sophomore Clara Page makes break to score game winning goal. (photo-Baldwin Athletics)
Sophomore Brianna Wright had the ball and passed it to Page who took it from there to secure the game winner.
“I had to put it away,” said Page.
Baldwin's Clara Page describes her game winning goal (video-Dan McCarty)
Baldwin's Alex Loomis talks about the intensity of this game.(video-Dan McCarty)
Baldwin's Taylor Levinson talks about her defense in goal.(video- Dan McCarty)
Junior goalkeeper Allie Bush and freshman goalkeeper Maya Naimoli combined for five saves for EA.
For EA’s defense, Naimoli felt it all came down to communication.
“We started to break down in places,” said Naimoli. “I think the back line including me coming together to communicate out of those really just turned the game.”
Junior Taylor Levinson, who recently transitioned to goalkeeper for Baldwin, recorded 9 saves on the day.
“I’m glad that I managed to see a lot of improvement,” she said. “It’s nice to know that I can be more confident in this position as the season goes.”
Up next, Baldwin will be on the road to face undefeated Springside Chestnut Hill today at 4 p.m.
Episcopal Academy will host Academy of Notre Dame today at 6 p.m.