BY MIKE LIVINGSTON
(PHOTOS BY JUSTIN MALDONADO FOR PSD)
DREXEL HILL, PA - It was the regular season’s game of the year, and a championship preview so to speak. All while lining up as the final game of the Philadelphia Catholic League’s (PCL) regular season between the Catholic League’s two undefeated juggernauts: Archbishop Carroll and Bonner-Prendergast.
The five-time defending Catholic League champions, Archbishop Carroll did eventually come away with the 2-0 win, Tuesday night. Bonner-Prendie put up a good fight all evening long, keeping things close late into the fourth quarter.
“It’s obviously really great to get this win,” said senior captain Kate O’Neill. “The job is not done yet though, it’s awesome to get the number one seed but the championship game is what it comes down to and we’re excited for what’s to come over the course of the next two weeks.”
There is certainly a lot in store for Carroll in the next few weeks as they await the winner of Lansdale Catholic and Conwell-Egan’s matchup on Friday evening before they take the field once again on Monday in the chance to clinch a trip to yet another PCL title game.
As for Bonner-Prendie, despite the tough loss there is still a lot to be earned, namely a Catholic league title, which would be the school’s first since 2017. However, they will first need to take on the winner of Cardinal O’Hara vs. Archbishop Wood before heading off to the title game.
“It was a big game for us obviously,” said Bonner-Prendergast head coach Jordan Monaghan. “So, it’s always disappointing to lose a game like that. We will learn from it though and move on to the semifinals stronger and hopefully see them again in the championship.”
Archbishop Carroll vs. Bonner-Prendergast. (video/ Justin Maldonado for PSD)
Barring an upset loss to Lansdale or Egan, it appears as though Carroll may get the opportunity to claim its fourth consecutive Catholic League title against one of Prendie, O’Hara, or Wood. If the club continues to play at the clip they are now that title could come into fruition.
That “clip,” being one of a potent offense with even better defense to compliment it. Topped off by the Patriots incredible midfield play that has Carroll holding on to the ball for the majority of their games just as they did against Prendie.
The Pats held the ball for nearly the entire first quarter getting quite a few chances to take an early lead. Though they weren’t able to capitalize, they made sure Bonner-Prendie didn’t even come close to sniffing the offensive zone, allowing just one shot on goal in the period.
As the second quarter kicked off it was the Carroll offense that finally took advantage as Morgan Wood put her club in front to score1-0 with 11:57 to go in the period.
Archbishop Carroll's goal by Morgan Wood. (video by Mike Livingston for PSD)
Though that goal would prove to be all that Carroll needed, they kept the pressure on. The Patriots held on to the ball for the majority of the second and third periods only allowing infrequent shots on goal all of which were swiftly deflected by goalie Fiona Conboy who earned her sixth PCL shutout of the season.
It would be Kate O’Neill who iced the game for the Patriots with a huge goal to make it 2-0. The Pats senior worked a rebound off a round of penalty shots which made it a two-score game with under eight minutes to go in the contest.
“It all comes down to how competitive we keep it at practice,” said O’Neill. “We play the best we can in practice and then our out of league schedule also really helps us prepare for these games.”
Archbishop Carroll's Winning Goal by senior Captain Kate O'Neill. (video/ Mike Livingston for PSD)
With the win the Patriots advanced to 9-0 on the PCL season, claiming the league’s number one seed. The Pandas finish as second seed with a 8-1 record going into the playoffs.
