Academy of Notre Dame senior Saylor Milone with game ball that secured her 132nd career goal, a new school record (photo/Josh Abrams for PSD)
By: Josh Abrams
Newtown Square, PA – A little history was made on Friday afternoon when the Academy of Notre Dame traveled to Delaware County to take on The Episcopal Academy in a battle between two Inter-Ac foes.
The accomplishment itself wasn’t so little; Academy of Notre Dame senior captain and University of Michigan commit Saylor Milone broke the school’s record for most goals scored in a career (132), a mark that was held for the past 10 years by former PSU grad Moira Putsch. Her out-of-this-world 1v1 skill set and overwhelming power on her shot led to the record-clinching goal early in the first quarter.
The captain and leader of the Fighting Irish squad, that has only conceded one game so far this season, knew what was at stake.
“It’s an incredible feeling,” the senior said. “I first became aware that I had tied the record in our previous game on Wednesday. So that was a great feeling. And then, I think, today on the field I tried to really utilize the open spaces, use lifting skills (with the stick)... and get off quality shots on goal, as well as set myself up forward and wide to get passes for my teammates.”
Her historic first-quarter tally was followed up in the second frame by a goal from freshman Carina Demchyk, who stayed with the initial shot from fellow freshman teammate Casey McCormick and tapped the ball into the back of the net. Sure enough, Milone set up the play initially before finding McCormick who was also cutting towards the net.
The scoreboard showed 2-0 in favor of Academy of Notre Dame as both teams got their well-deserved rest at halftime.
This contest was a battle between two of the best teams in the Inter-Ac. In their last meeting on September 26th, the Irish powered a shutout against the Churchwomen.
Academy of Notre Dame senior captain Saylor Milone gets Fighting Irish on the board early, reaches career goals scored milestone (Video/Josh Abrams)
Academy of Notre Dame freshman duo of Casey McCormick-Carina Demchyk double lead in second quarter (Video/Josh Abrams)
This victory secured the Inter-Ac Title for the Academy of Notre Dame team, who was also named number one in the nation by Max Field Hockey.
Milone notched her second goal of the game early in the third quarter, after she was awarded a penalty shot. EA goalkeeper Isabel Andrews managed to get a leg on the ball, but because the shot was from essentially point-blank range there was little that could be done to prevent the goal.
Milone's second tally of the game extends ND's lead to 3-0 in third quarter vs EA (Video/Josh Abrams)
Senior Paige McMeekin gets EA on the board late in third quarter, cuts ND's lead to 3-1 (Video/Josh Abrams)
Academy of Notre Dame senior Reese Czajkowski puts finishing touches on the victory (Video/Josh Abrams)
Shortly after Milone extended the Irish’s lead to 3-0, Episcopal was finally able to break through and find the back of the net. Senior Paige McMeekin ripped a slap shot from the top of the circle and the ball found its way through traffic and past the goalie.
There was no doubt Episcopal Academy was not going to go down quietly, and Milone & company knew taking this team lightly would be the last thing they would want to do.
“EA is a great team, they played a great game today,” said Saylor. “I thought they did a good job with transitioning the ball forward, and then using their speed to create attacking opportunities. Though we did get that first goal pretty early, we all kind of knew the game wasn’t anywhere near over, just because of how competitive we are with Episcopal… for us, it just had to do with sticking to our plan and continuing to create productive attacks in the circle.”
Academy of Notre Dame Head Coach Brandi Ritz describes what the daily mentality is for her team (Video/Josh Abrams)
Consistently providing offensive pressure is just one of many factors of a great team, and for Notre Dame’s head coach Brandi Ritz it is a central figure in her message to the team.
“I always tell the girls ‘you have to play like you’re in last place’ and if you’re number one, everyone is coming after you,” Ritz said. “So you have to be relentless and keep playing like you’re that bottom team.”
Academy of Notre Dame senior Maeve Seeger postgame interview (Video/Josh Abrams)
Saylor Milone postgame interview after huge win over EA (Video/Josh Abrams)
Notre Dame defeated EA by a final score of 5-1, helping the team focus on celebrating their beloved leader in Milone, both on and off the field.
Her fellow senior teammate, Maeve Seeger, could not express enough how much work behind the scenes Saylor puts into the game of field hockey.
“Saylor is so hard-working and the perfect forward,” Maeve said. “She can get in the circle and score for you at any time… we’re so lucky to have her, I’m so lucky to have every one of my teammates. We all work so hard for this and we’re just really happy with our outcome today.”
And while one game certainly does not define a career, it is safe to say that this one is the pinnacle or one that encompasses and recognizes all that Saylor and her classmates have accomplished during their time at Academy of Notre Dame.
“All the seniors have been building for this, and they deserve it,” said Brandi. “Saylor wouldn’t be anywhere without her teammates, but she’s such a hard worker, she’s so skilled and Michigan is very lucky to have her.”
Milone first half shot attempt stopped by EA goalkeeper Isabel Andrews (Video/Josh Abrams)
EA with early first half scoring opportunity against ND (Video/Josh Abrams)
The win improves the Irish's record to 15-1 overall and a flawless 8-0 in conference play. They’ll seek to improve thier unblemished record and conclude the season when they host Agnes Irwin School this Thursday and then Springside Chestnut Hill Academy on the 31st before setting their sites on the PAISAA state tournament in two weeks.
Episcopal Academy falls to 8-10 overall and 4-3 in the Inter-Ac, and will finish out their season against Germantown Academy and Springside Chestnut Hill Academy.