By: James Williamson
Springfield, PA—On March 27th, Cardinal O’Hara defeated Chartiers Valley, 61-27 in the PIAA Class 5A State Championship. The Philadelphia Catholic League became the first to win three state girls’ titles in the same year with Archbishop Wood (4A) and West Catholic (3A) claiming their state titles the same week.
On Tuesday, May 25th, the Lady Lions were presented with the 2021 PIAA Girls 5A State Championship Banner. The team received citations from State Representative Jen O’Mara and Senator Tim Kearney in a special unveiling ceremony in their high school gym. Philadelphia Sports Digest’s James Williamson was there to capture the event.
Banner Celebration at Cardinal O'Hara -The Team was Honored by Asst. Athletic Director Bob Adams, Head Coach Chrissy Doogan and High School Principal Eileen Vice
It was a monumental accomplishment the PCL can be proud of and for the Lady Lions of Cardinal O’Hara, that day marked their first state title in program history.
The Lions stunned Chartiers Valley (CV) with a 10-0 start and led 17-7 after one quarter. By the half O’Hara led 28-11 and 38-20 after three quarters.
Junior Sydni Scott’s had 16 points along with junior Maggie Doogan’s 13, junior Annie Welde made 6 points and senior Amaris Baker contributed 6 points and two assists proving CV was no match for O’Hara.
For the past three years, head coach Chrissie Doogan has been at the helm of this squad. Doogan a graduate of O’Hara’s class of 1993, led her team to three PCL Championships and was named All-Catholic and MVP.
Doogan, who was also named this year’s Coach of The Year by the PA Sports Writers, had the pleasure of coaching her daughter Maggie to the state championship. They became only the third coach/daughter duo to accomplish that feat in PIAA history.
Coach Chrissy Doogan said the banner will be a reminder of the hard work her team put in this season:
This season was also extra special for the two sole seniors on the team. Amaris Baker and Siobhan Boylan. Both have been varsity starters since their sophomore year. Baker a Second-Team All-Catholic will be heading to play at Kennesaw State in Georgia. Baker welcomed 1,000 career points in a 65-21 victory against St. Hubert on Feb. 21st, a milestone that only 15 other O’Hara females have accomplished including current coach Doogan.
Boylan, a Third Team All-Catholic will attend Marist College in N.Y. in the fall. Boylan helped pace the offense all season and scored 10 points in the history making state championship bout.
Siobhan Boylan said it was an honor to be part of the first team to win a state crown!
Amaris Baker knew she was part of a special group this season that had it in them to win.
Cardinal O'Hara vs. Chartiers Valley in the 2021 PIAA Class 5A State Championship. Video highlights by John Knebels for Philadelphia Sports Digest.
