BY DAN MCCARTY
SPRINGFIELD, PA- Taking on the Cardinal O’Hara Lions did not discourage the visiting Lansdale Catholic Crusaders’ field hockey team when it faced the runner-up from last year’s Philadelphia Catholic League championship on Wednesday, Oct. 5. Despite the loss, The Crusaders showed grit and strength in the PCL rout.
Lansdale Catholic entered the match after a two-game winning streak that included victory over Little Flower and a 3-2 non-league win over Country Day School of the Sacred Heart. They currently hold a PCL record of 3-3.
There was no doubt that facing the Lady Lions would be a challenge for Lansdale Catholic, but they were ready.
“We knew we were going to have a hard game against O’Hara,” said junior quad-captain and defensive center mid Anna Cusumano.
“We knew they were going to come out strong. I really think we counterattacked them with a lot of good defense and offense. Our skills were really good working as a team today," said Cusumano.
LC head coach Karen Dowd said that her team's new mindset is all about having fun - Video by Dan McCarty
Senior goalkeeper and quad-captain Katie Herron finished with four saves for Lansdale Catholic.
“I think as a defense, we do a really good job of communicating and working together,” said Herron. “They communicate with me really well. I think in the future we can work on being more aggressive.”
LC senior Katie Herron talks about improvements & has high hopes for her underclassmen teammates - PSD video by Dan McCarty
LC junior Anna Cusumano said her team knew it was going to be a tough fight, but was happy how her team battled- PSD Video by Dan McCarty
This team has grown a lot since last season.
“The game was tough,” said senior center forward and quad-captain Katie Dome. “We really work well as a team. Last year it was a struggle but this year we are doing a lot better. We have a game on Friday against our rival and I think we will win.”
It is that type of positivity the Crusaders rely on, and it shows.
“This team from last year to this year is a totally different team. They really respect each other. They love each other. They complement each other. They have fun too,” said head coach Karen Dowd.
Philadelphia Catholic League field hockey action resumes on Friday, Oct. 7. Lansdale Catholic hosts local rival Archbishop Wood at 3:45 p.m. as it inches ever closer to securing a playoff berth in the weeks to come.
“I think, moving forward, we’re going to see a lot of improvement,” said Herron. “We have a lot of underclassmen on varsity this year. It looks like the next several years they’re going to be really good. I look forward to the rest of the season and seeing where they go the next couple of years.”
LC senior Caroline Alegado said that her team's dynamic has improved each game - PSD Video by Dan Mccarty
Katie Dome remained positive after the loss and looks forward to playing Wood on Friday - PSD Video by Dan McCarty
In more field hockey action, Cardinal O’Hara hosts defending league champion Archbishop Carroll October 7 at 6:30 p.m. Carroll also remains undefeated in the PCL.
“We’re feeling great,” said O’Hara senior tri-captain Maeve Boston. “We’re undefeated in the PCL. We’re really excited to see some tough competition.”