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FIELD HOCKEY: Academy of Notre Dame Starts Out Strong in Inter-Ac Opener

By Dan McCarty (photos/video Dan McCarty), 10/01/21, 1:45PM EDT

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BY:  DAN MCCARTY

 

ROSEMONT, PA--Hustling and playing out wide proved advantageous for the Notre Dame Academy field hockey team in their Inter-Ac League opener Tuesday, September 28, 2021, against host Agnes Irwin School. The Fighting Irish walked off of the field with a 4-1 victory over the Owls.

“When we play out wide, we’re able to put these gaps in the midfield,” said Notre Dame senior captain Maddie Frank. “It’s the fact that we just don’t give up and when we make a mistake, we recover under the play and support each other.”

This was a great way for Notre Dame to begin a new season in the league. Starting at 1-0 truly sets the tone for getting back into the swing of things after a year lost to COVID-19. With this result, the team boosted its overall record to 6-2.

“We’re just excited to play,” said head coach Adele Williams. “We had three incoming freshman last year. There are a lot of new players. We’re just trying to get a sense of what we have.”

Academy of Notre Dame vs. Agnes Irwin Game Highlights

Agnes Irwin dropped its record to 1-1 in the league and 2-3 overall. Nevertheless, the Owls are happy to be on the field once again as well.

“It is about bringing back the joy of playing and an opportunity to continue to improve team offense and team defense each game,” said head coach Morgan Paese.

During the first quarter, sophomore Maeve Seeger and senior Emma Steel both scored to make it a 2-0 game.  Sophomore Reese Czajkowksi assisted Steel.

Junior captain Lauren Derose sliced the Irish’s lead in half when she registered a goal of her own with 8:57 to play until halftime.

Seeger found the net once again with 12:33 left in regulation off of another Czajkowski assist. It did not stop there. Two and a half minutes later, sophomore Saylor Milone got on the scoreboard. Junior Brennan Czajkowski provided the assist. The last ten minutes came and went and the 4-1 score turned out to be final.

The Owls played solid defense on the afternoon. Goalkeeper Sarah Davis (seven saves), sophomore Maggie Mullen (two saves), sophomore Ali Gerber (one save) and Derose (two saves) all prevailed for Agnes Irwin.

“My defense, I think, held up really well,” said Davis. “I think their offensive players were really fast.”

“I think we’re really skilled,” said Paese. “We have the ability to score goals. That’s a strong point for us.”

Academy of Notre Dame senior defender Maddie Frank talks about being back on the playing field.

Agnes Irwin Junior Midfielder Lauren DeRose discusses her teams strenghts against a tough opponent.

Academy of Notre Dame returns to Inter-Ac League action Friday, October 1st as they travel to Penn Charter. In more league action, Agnes Irwin hosts Penn Charter Friday, October 8 at 3:30 p.m.