2016 PCL Girls' LAX Semi: Archbishop Carroll vs. Bonner-Prendergast
Carroll Team Introductions
MBAP team introductions
ASTON, PA – It was an all out team effort for the Archbishop Carroll Patriots who are making their way back to the Philadelphia Catholic League Championship after defeating Bonner-Prendergast 22-1 at Neumann University Thursday afternoon.
“We wanted to keep the momentum and intensity up for our girls,” said head coach Lorraine Beers after the momentous victory. “It’s always a goal of ours, each game, to try and get everyone in to play and especially today to have them get the experience of a Catholic League semifinal game and get a playoff experience.”
Carroll senior, Abby Fox, explained that their team chemistry has also been a major component to their continued success.
“We have been practicing the past few days to really work together as a team and that’s been our main focus. It’s really been our main focus this whole season, to work together, and I think it’s really been showing throughout the playoffs,” said Fox who is a Long Island University of Brooklyn commit.
Carroll senior, Abby Fox scores a goal in the second half
On Monday, Carroll is set to play Archbishop Wood in the PCL Championship. Coach Beers explained that winning another PCL title all comes down to making sure that they play their best game.
MBAP smiles before the PCL semifinal - PSD Photo
“I think we are going to do the same thing, which is play our game and control possession of the ball and work it around to do what we do best, play lacrosse,” said Beers.
For Bonner-Prendie’s head coach Amanda McCloskey, having her team compete in the PCL semifinal was an experience and reward in itself - no matter what the scoreboard may have displayed.
“Coming in the first year as a head coach, my goal was first to get the team aspect back, to get the girls looking at lacrosse as a sport and not just an after school activity,” said McCloskey a Cardinal O’Hara graduate and previous West Chester University lacrosse player. “A lot of times in Catholic schools, girls won’t pick up a stick until their freshmen year. So my number one goal was to comprise a team. Today, being here in the semifinals was the first time for any of these girls in all of their four years, they never made it this far so that was big for them. Facing Carroll, they’re always a powerhouse, there’s nothing we could do with a score like that. We tried and they were tired coming off the field and that’s what I wanted.”
On behalf of her 10 graduating seniors, McCloskey said that her simply “missing” them is a total understatement.
“I’m getting chills I’m going to miss them already, it stinks. I wish I would have gotten here sooner,” said McCloskey.
Carroll vs. MBAP (49 Photos)
“Our goalie wishes her college has a team she could play for. And that’s the kind of legacy I’m trying to leave for my team – for them to want the sport, to want to be apart of the team. They worked so hard all year and I’m so proud of them.”
McCloskey also mentioned some stars on her team to look-out for during next lacrosse season.
“Our center Riley Dolan is committed to Delaware University to play field hockey, but she is a powerhouse lacrosse player. She’s out there picking up the ground balls like crazy, running the ball up the field and being totally aggressive. Keeley Weiss is running our attack along with Paige Brady. Those three are all juniors, so I’m looking forward to coming back next season,” said McCloskey.
Paige Brady also tallied MBAP’s sole goal of the afternoon.
Looking Ahead: Archbishop Carroll will face Archbishop Wood in the 2016 PCL Girls’ Lacrosse Championship. The game will be played on Monday at Neumann University at 6PM.