BY JOHN KNEBELS
(PHOTOS BY LENNIE MALMGREN FOR PSD)
COLLEGEVILLE – Two weeks later, some disappointment remains.
Pride and appreciation, however, remain paramount.
Spurred by a flurry of third period goals in the Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association (PAISAA) final on a freezing cold evening November 12 at Ursinus College, defending champion Academy of Notre Dame lost to undefeated Hill School Preparatory School by a misleading margin of 5-1.
Final scores often mask the entirety of an athletic competition, and this was clearly a case of Inter-Academic League champion Notre Dame running out of fuel against a Hill School squad determined to win its second PAISAA title in three years.
“This is (Hill School coach Katherine Bowie’s) first season,” said Notre Dame coach Brandi Ritz. “She did a great job with them. They’re a very talented team.
“It wasn’t the result that we wanted, but we had a heck of a season. We’re looking to come back here again next year. We have a very bright future.”
Four minutes into the game, the Irish became the first team to actually lead Hill School when freshman Lexy Patton found the cage. Stunned, Hill School needed to dig deep and navigate uncharted territory.
Academy of Notre Dame vs. Hill School in PAISAA Title Match. (video/ John Knebels)
With 1:15 remaining in the first quarter, Hill School senior Aubrey Turner tied the game. The second quarter went scoreless, and Notre Dame found itself on solid ground heading into halftime.
Ritz was not surprised by Notre Dame’s strong beginning.
“I told them to play your best and play tough,” said Ritz. “Leave it all out there on the field.”
Unfortunately for the Irish, the Rams took full advantage of two corner kicks late in the third quarter – the latter a major kick to the stomach since only 15 seconds remained – to forge a 3-1 lead.
Hill School first-year coach Katherine Bowie compliments both teams on a great game and a terrific season. (video/ John Knebels)
Academy of Notre Dame head coach Brandi Ritz appreciates her team’s effort in PAISAA Title Match. (Video/ John Knebels)
In the fourth, Notre Dame needed to produce immediate offense, and Hill School took advantage of a vulnerable defense by scoring two goals in the first three minutes before basically playing keep away over most of the final 12 minutes.
“Notre Dame is very well-coached,” said Bowie. “Excellent, excellent players. All week in practice, I was talking about how we need to give that team respect
“I 100-percent respect coach Brandi and the girls at Notre Dame. It’s an excellent school, an excellent program, and I can’t wait to keep competing against them in the years to come.”
With a large group of returning starters, the Irish will undoubtedly be considered one of the area’s top teams next year.
Academy of Notre Dame junior Kiera Sack looks on the bright side after PAISAA loss. (VIDEO/ JOHN KNEBELS)
While acknowledging that “losing is definitely tough” and “not the best feeling in the world,” junior Kiera Sack says she’s already looking forward to her senior season.
“I am so, so proud,” said Sack. “With having the amount of seniors that graduated last year . . . the amount of leadership it took, the amount of effort we put in, I’m really proud. Next year is going to be a lot of fun.”
(Contact John Knebels at jknebels@gmail.com or on ‘X’ @johnknebels.)
