Episcopal Academy 2021 Inter-Ac Champions
(photo/The Episcopal Academy)
By Alex McGinley
NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA- There might’ve been rainy conditions last Tuesday afternoon at Buggy Field, but that didn’t dampen the spirits of Episcopal Academy.
Not only did the Churchwomen clinch the Inter-Ac championship with a 6-0 victory over their rivals Academy of Notre Dame, they also honored their seniors for senior day.
Fittingly, all six of the Churchwomen’s goals were scored by seniors. Midfielder Olivia Corrato (Columbia commit) opened the scoring attack 39 seconds into the game. Corrato also scored a goal with 12:28 left in the third quarter to finish the day with a pair of goals.
“I think right from the beginning, we were passing and usually when we’re passing, it’s a good advantage for us,” said senior goalie Gianna Cilluffo, who’s also a Columbia University commit. “Right from the beginning, we were really connecting and I think that led to the goals.”
Episcopal Academy vs. Academy of Notre Dame in Inter-Ac League Title Game. (video/Alex McGinley)
Center Macy Szukics, who is a Duke University commit, also scored a pair of goals, one in the second quarter and the other coming in the third quarter.
Midfielders Ashley Sessa (North Carolina) and Mia Garber (Boston College) rounded out the scoring with a goal each. Garber also finished the game with two assists.
“I’m really proud of the hard work by all of our seniors and they’ve been through a lot for the past two years so for them to get out here and play and celebrate the game they love is awesome,” said Episcopal Academy head coach Stephanie Fee. “Huge depth in our senior line obviously with the ability to get a ton of people scoring goals, so it’s great.”
Not only did the Churchwomen dominate on the offensive side of the ball, but they controlled the game defensively with a shutout from Cilluffo.
“As the goalie, I had some saves, which was nice,” said Cilluffo. “It’s better than having goals against me. I just think we kept the energy up. It was pretty crappy weather, but I think as a team we stayed excited about the game.”
Sophomore goalie Mia McCloskey made nine saves for the Fighting Irish while facing the EA offensive line.
EA is currently 9-0 in league play and 17-1 overall. Despite the dominating performance, Cilluffo thinks the team has room to improve ahead of PAISAA’s.
“We have state championships coming up and PAISAA’s, so I think just keeping our attitudes in check and continuing to work together as a team I think will keep us going.”
PhiladelphiaSportsDigest.com player of the game went to EA goalie Gianna Cilluffo. This was an all-out performance by the seniors on their Senior Day, but Cilluffo stood out on goalie. Even though all six of the Churchwomen’s goals were scored by seniors, Cilluffo was the glue that kept them together and gave her offense chances to succeed by keeping the Fighting Irish attackers at bay.
The Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association (PAISAA)Tournament starts this week. The Churchwomen have a bye, then will compete in the semifinal round on Thursday, Nov. 11.
EA senior goalie Gianna Cilluffo talks about her team's strengths in securing those early goals. (video/Alex McGinley)
Gianna Cilluffo recognized as PSD Player of the Game. (photo/Alex McGinley)
