“I was very proud of the team,” said Ryan coach Ted Blohm. “They have put a lot of work in this season and have had to overcome a lot of diversity. Some games haven’t gone our way this season, but the amount of grit and determination that they put into yesterday’s game was amazing. I couldn’t be more proud that we are moving to the playoffs.”

Against Conwell-Egan, however, Fitzgerald and her teammates were focused on taking the Ragdolls to the postseason for the second straight season. Other significant contributions included five goals by sophomore Tori Shamanow, control draw dominance by leading junior assister Molly McDonough, and outstanding goaltending by senior Regan Keeley when the Ragdolls needed it most.

“The varsity team has been very balanced in scoring with five to six different players that can score at any given time,” said Roxberry. “(Sophomore) Carlee O'Donnell leads the team in scoring with 31 goals. Midfielders Rylee Joyce (senior), Liliana Dias (senior), and sophomore Lexi Pavel (sophomore) have been rock solid all year along with our sensational senior defender Sam Terry.”

Reigning PCL Most Valuable Player Claire Natoli seems destined to add another trophy. The senior has scored 99 goals so far this season and more than 150 for her career. She has accrued 115 total points this season and 250 for her career. She also has 142 draw controls this season and 250 all-told. 

“Claire has always been an all-around great player and we have asked her to become a goal scorer this year,” said Armstrong. “She has responded averaging more than five goals per game.”

Senior goalie Mackenzie Hand has more than 350 career saves against top area teams, has averaged at least one interception per game, and, according to Armstrong, “has excelled in her stick skills in transition after making a save.” 

Senior Maddie Sharkey has 59 goals this season (including eight against area power Downingtown West) and 120 for her career. Senior Carley Smith moved to midfield this year from her natural low defense position and has collected 24 goals and 23 assists in addition to taking the draw.

“We started this season with a loss and then three very close wins,” said Carroll coach Lorraine Beers. “These tough games helped the girls pull together as a team and gain confidence. Our breakthrough game came against nationally ranked Georgetown Visitation from D.C.”

In that 13-4 victory, seven different Patriots scored. With standouts such as senior midfielders Ava Bleckley (23 goals and 12 assists) and Machaela Henry (20 goals and nine assists), along with junior Chloe Bleckley (25 goals and 11 assists), an array of scoring is common.

On defense, senior Ella Wright and junior Sienna Golden have combined to help senior goalie Bridget Robinson shut down their frustrated competition.

Tied with O’Hara for second place (though in third place when considering a head-to-head tiebreak) at 6-1 is Lansdale Catholic. Highlights for the 9-2 overall Crusaders include an 11-10 win, non-league over Souderton and a 16-13 PCL victory at Archbishop Wood.

“Emily has been a leader for this team since day,” said McCarney. “She takes the draw and is our main goal scorer and assist leader. She also scored her 100th goal this season.

“Rylee has been a key player this year. She takes the draw and has scored over 50 goals this season. She is also selfless and assists many goals.

“Brielle is a leader in the backfield. She is leading the team in caused turnovers and scored a goal this season.”

“We don’t have one defining moment that was a highlight or a lowlight,” said Eckert. “We have followed our ‘Hammer’ mentality this season day in and day out.”

Eckert explained that the "hammer" is an award Wood gives out each game for the player or players who “exhibited consistent effort in the little things, and always focused on the next play.”

“Like the award says, after a mistake is made by an individual or team, we look forward with intentions of improving for the next play, next practice, next game, etc.,” said Eckert.  “As a young team, we have continued to learn from mistakes and losses early in the season, and improve as a unit for our next appearance.

At Bonner-Prendergast, senior attack Abby Blemings, a second-team All-Catholic last year, surpassed well over 200 career points (169 goals, 63 assists) while senior attack Leila George, who scored her 100th goal in a tough 10-5 loss at Archbishop Wood, currently sits at 120 goals and 24 assists.

The Pandas’ defense is anchored by senior Leah Ewing, senior Maia Losasso, and junior Riley Donahue.

Junior Meredith Shallow, who has 249 career saves in her two years as a varsity goalie, reached 100 saves for the second consecutive season. 

At 4-3, the Pandas clinched their sixth straight playoff appearance.

“Once we get there,” said coach Jason Blemings, “we hope to make some noise.”

Prior to the beginning of the season, the previous coaching staff told St. Hubert’s they would not be returning, which left the lacrosse program scrambling to find qualified replacements.

Up stepped head coach Erik Young and assistant Molly Madden.

Despite limited preparation time, the Bambies’ gradually improved.

Their efforts produced a 14-11 victory over visiting Little Flower, labeled by Young as their season highlight.

“This season has been eventful,” said Young. “It was the first PCL win for the varsity team in a couple years, and I think it really showed the girls what they are capable of and raised their morale. The girls worked together as a team to move the ball, communicate on the field, and provide opportunities for each other to cut in toward the goal and make some well-placed shots.

“With the talent and leadership potential that these players and a few others possess, I feel confident in saying that our team will continue to improve throughout the years,” said Young.

Although they did not win, the Sentinels of Little Flower gained much-needed confidence in their 14-11 loss at St. Hubert’s.

“We both were battling for our first win,” said coach Emily Johnston. “In the first half, the score was going back and forth, and one little mistake would have cost anyone the game.