By: Cole Nowak
PHILADELPHIA- Coming into the contest, this was the biggest game of the regular season for both Springside Chestnut Hill (SCH) and Episcopal Academy (EA). Both teams had yet to drop a game. However, there was only room for one team to stay perfect, and on this day, it was SCH as the Blue Devils secured a 3-1 road victory.
“We knew Episcopal was going to be our toughest competition this year, so we really focused in on our energy. We have players on the bench that come in and play big roles. We know we needed this game and to get a lot of quick goals in,” said Blue Devil’s senior defensive captain, Olivia Myers.
SCH jumped out of the gate, tallying three goals before the conclusion of the first half. Maya McDermott, Brynn Donohue, and Abigail Kenkelen all scored for the Blue Devils, while Lauren Sullivan and Abigail Udowenko recorded assists.
EA would not lay down though, finishing the game with a strong second half while keeping SCH off the scoreboard.
“SCH is a very good team and always has been. I am very proud of our team; we have been working really hard and connecting together. I think we played really well, and we’re ready to come back out against them,” said EA goalkeeper Maya Naimoli. “Especially in the second half I think we dominated pretty well, connected passes, and calmed down a bit. We are a strong team, and I am proud of us for finishing like that.”
This sets up for an intriguing contest on Oct. 26th, as SCH hosts EA for the second leg of this match-up.
Tuesday, September 28th
Episcopal Academy 7, Baldwin 0
Episcopal showed what can happen when you put all three facets together… they found the back of the net with ease, controlled the possession and pace from the midfield, and locked down Baldwin’s impressive offensive attack coming away with the clean sheet.
“I think this is a really big confidence booster moving to 2-0 with the freshmen really contributing. This helps us look forward to future games and playoffs,” said EA senior captain and forward Bella Piselli.
“Getting the shutout is also a big confidence booster for our back end,” noted fellow EA senior captain and midfielder Kendal Elison.
EA was led by the huge performances from their freshmen class. Freshman midfielder Kate Dente led the way with 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists). Avery Le and Maya Bright both found the back of the net on two separate occasions, while adding an assist. Quinn Whitaker and Elison also added one goal and one assist each to the scoresheet.
“I think overall, we are doing well in the back, in the middle, and up top. We have a lot of balance which is helping us. Baldwin is a talented team up top, so I am proud of the zero goals (allowed) today. That was one moment of pride we had for sure,” said EA head coach Andy Fraggos.
After a tough start to league play, Baldwin looks to get back on track.
“Credit to Episcopal Academy, putting in 7 goals and shutting us out is a great testament to their program. They are playing really well right now,” said Baldwin head coach Adrian Cox. “But, for Baldwin we need to be stronger collectively in terms of our effort and more of a belief and mentality that’s tougher on the field. Once we get the mental part of the game together…it will lead to a better result.”
Springside Chestnut Hill 7, Germantown Academy 0
The Blue Devils scored early and often, having their way on the offensive end against a physical opponent in Germantown Academy. The Blue Devils also showed their depth by having six different goal scorers, in conjunction with five different players with an assist, and both goalkeepers contributing for the clean sheet.
Goals scored: Lisa McIntyre (2), Maya McDermott, Mary Trudeau, Lauren Sullivan, Ava DeLisle, Abigail Kenkelen
Assists: Abigail Fitzmaurice (2), Maya McDermott, Abigail Kenkelen, Amanda McNesby, and Carly Hirshka
Clean sheet contributors: Ellen Stratz and Gracyn Lee-Torchiana
Academy of Notre Dame 2, Agnes Irwin 1
The Irish outlasted the Owls in double overtime, scoring with one minute remaining.
This Week’s Contests: (all games start @ 4:00pm)
Tuesday, October 5th Results:
Springside Chestnut Hill 3, Baldwin 0.
Notre Dame 3, Germantown Academy 0
Episcopal Academy 4, Penn Charter, 4 (OT)
Thursday, October 7th
Episcopal Academy @ Notre Dame
Friday, October 8th
Penn Charter @ Agnes Irwin
Germantown Academy @ Baldwin