RADNOR-- It never grows old. The rivalry between Archbishop Carroll and Cardinal O’Hara was in full force as the Carroll Patriots hosted the O’Hara Lions in Philadelphia Catholic League (PCL) field hockey action on Wednesday, September 18.
These two teams have faced each other in a countless number of competitive matches including the PCL championship game in recent years which continues to make this rivalry a little more intense. Both teams always look forward to this meeting as does the community who gather to cheer on their respective teams.
Carroll shut out O’Hara, 2-0, in last season’s PCL title game. Therefore, the Lions no doubt wanted some retribution this time around. They went into this match thinking positive and ultimately walked away with a 2-0 victory.
“We were just coming in thinking about no other game this season,” said Rosie DeFeo. “We just wanted to come back stronger than we ever were. We just wanted to be ready for whatever Carroll threw at us. We knew that they were strong.”
DeFeo tallied a goal off of an assist by Sara Grassi nearly six minutes into the contest. Ten minutes later, it was Grassi’s turn to score with senior forward Katie Shallow providing the assist. Both teams used a time out before the conclusion of the first period but that did not change the score.
O'Hara senior forward Rosie DeFeo talks about her team's chemistry on and off the field.
O'Hara senior forward Sara Grassi talks about coming together as a team.
“Our nerves just settled,” said Grassi.
Carroll’s offense dominated in the second half, but the Patriots were still unable to find the net. They had a total of nine penalty corners as well as nine shots on goal all in the second stanza.
O’Hara finished with three shots on goal. One thing that made this game different was that it was played on grass instead of turf. The Lions made sure that they were prepared in advance.
Archbishop Carroll vs. Cardinal O'Hara
Archbishop Carroll vs. Cardinal O'Hara
“I think we really worked hard playing on the grass,” said DeFeo. “Our practice yesterday really gave us an advantage. We were just communicating really well today.”
Carroll goalkeeper Grace DiMascio stopped two shots on the afternoon.
"I couldn’t have done it without my defense,” said DiMascio. “Just with the communication that we had today, we were able to know where everyone was at and able to stop the ball. We did a great job. It’s only going to go up from here.”
With this victory, the Lady Lions remained undefeated in league play at 3-0. Carroll dropped its PCL record to 1-1.