RADNOR, PA--The 2022 Inter-Ac League field hockey season is underway. Defense and good passing did it as Germantown Academy edged host The Agnes Irwin School, 2-1, Friday, September 23rd at Radnor Community Park.
“We did a decent job generating corners,” said junior Lucy McFadden.
With this outcome, Agnes Irwin, and Germantown Academy (GA) hold an Inter-Ac record of 1-1 and an overall record of 4-2. GA picked up its first league victory after falling to Episcopal Academy in Tuesday’s opener. Agnes Irwin previously defeated Springside Chestnut Hill Academy 2-1 in overtime.
“We’re working on supporting each other, pumping each other up and working the fields together so that we can win as a team,” said Agnes Irwin head coach Nicole Gerdes.
GA senior captain Sarah Marvin stresses the importance of winning as a team and team bonding - Video by Dan McCarty
McFadden registered her first goal of the afternoon with 2:56 to play in the first quarter. The score did not change for the remainder of the half but right after intermission, McFadden picked up where she left off extending her sprint to 2-0.
Trying to battle back into the game, Agnes Irwin used a time out. Sophomore Caroline Chisholm put her team on the board when she scored on a penalty stroke with 4:07 left in the third quarter. So far this season, Chisholm stands as her team’s leading scorer with a total of six goals. She also leads Agnes Irwin on assists.
“The stroke gave us confidence and some momentum,” said Chisholm.
GA took a time out with 7:17 in regulation but the defense simply ran out the clock making the 2-1 score official.
AIS senior captain Katharine Lerch talks about team improvements and notable non-league victories - Video by Dan McCarty
“We can really grow and learn from all these wins and losses,” said Chisholm.
Sophomore goalkeeper Sara Davis paced Agnes Irwin’s defense with a total of seven saves. Junior Ali Gerber has also been stepping up on defense.
“I think my defense did a good job stopping the ball and being patient,” said Davis. “They fought for the ball when they needed to.”
Senior captain Claire McMichael prevailed for GA in the midfield. Teammate and junior Madison Destefano was solid on defense.
“We’re working on playing better team defense,” said GA head coach Jackie Connard, who is starting her 8th season at the helm. “We’re also working on coming out strong.”
Inter-Ac League play resumes Wednesday, September 28. Agnes Irwin travels to take on Academy of Notre Dame at 3:30 pm. Germantown Academy hosts Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (3:30 pm).