ASTON, PA – The saying goes, “Good things come to those who wait,” and wait they did. After junior Sam Swart put up two quick goals against Archbishop Wood, the Carroll girls’ lacrosse team patiently waited inside Neumann University’s Mirenda Center due to an hour and a half rain delay.
At approximately 7:45PM Monday evening, Carroll and Wood returned to the field and the battle for the 2016 Philadelphia Catholic League lacrosse title resumed.
Meghan Matey, Sam Swart and Katie Detweiler each added a goal to enhance Carroll’s lead 5-0 with over 20 minutes left until halftime. Swart scored three more goals before the half and Wood’s Sarah Welsh put her team on the board with less than one-minute remaining to send both teams into the brief intermission with a score of 12-1 in Carroll’s favor.
In the second half, Carroll senior, Alexis Kucia, scored her first goal of the contest that had more meaning than just “another goal” that was scored during Carroll’s second half domination. On April 1st, Kucia got in a traumatic car accident while driving home from practice. Kucia remembers being in the hospital thinking that it would take a miracle to be able to return to the field this season.
Archbishop Carroll vs. Archbishop Wood PCL Championship Game (video by Steve Bonetz)
“It was one of those freak things that no one would expect to happen. They didn’t think I was going to be able to run again,” said Kucia.
Kucia explained that her motivation to recover was a direct result of the outpouring love and support from her teammates.
“I remember sitting in the hospital thinking, ‘this just sucks.’ But then, one by one, each of my teammates, coach Beers, Mr. Hewitt, everyone came to visit and push me to get better,” said Kucia, a La Salle University commit. “I had a drive to want to get better because I wanted to get back on the field with them. Without them, I know I would not be where I am right now.”
Fans sing Carroll's fight song during handshakes
Carroll presented with the PCL trophy
Celebration after being awarded a 2-Hr. delay
When Kucia scored, she was embraced by her teammates. In that moment it seemed as though the thought of another PCL championship was put on the back-burner to celebrate the recovery of a beloved teammate.
“This team this year is really unique, and we all been through a lot. When Lex (Alexis) scored, we all wanted to be with her and cheer with her,” said senior Abby Fox.
“Just that fact that Lexi was able to get on the field and score during her senior year and as a captain, that’s a memory we will all take with us throughout the rest of our lives,” said head coach Lorraine Beers.
Carroll seniors Alexis Kucia & Abby Fox leave advice for their underclassmen teammates
Wood senior Sarah Welsh leaves advice for her underclassmen teammates
The Patriots went on to score 9 more goals on the road to their 21-4 victory. This win marks 16 consecutive PCL girls’ lacrosse titles for Carroll. Coach Beers noted that her teams’ continued success comes down to their devoted work ethic and innate skills.
“These girls are very talented and are great athletes. At this level they are dominating, they work hard, they are dedicated and put a lot of effort in and it shows – success,” said Beers.
In this gallery are 45 photos from the game, the trophy presentation & fan photos
Wood’s Sarah Welsh (3) and Bridget Neiley (1) are credited for scoring Wood’s four goals. Although Wood will be losing four seniors, head coach Dipi Bhaya explained that her squad is full of dexterous underclassmen.
“My senior class have been great role models for the juniors so I hope that they can make their own shoes, but the numbers and bulk of my team are freshmen and sophomores. I’m excited for the underclassmen coming up,” said Bhaya.
Although her team was unable to put a dent in Carroll’s streak, coach Bhaya expressed her satisfaction toward her team and her beloved senior class.
“I’m so proud of them for making it to the championship game. Whenever you can make it to the finals, it’s nice, especially for my four seniors. They are such a great group and I’m going to miss them, it’s beyond words how much I’m going to miss them,” said Bhaya.
Wood senior and future Penn State University student, Sarah Welsh commended coach Bhaya’s dedication and selflessness towards her team.
“I’ve only had the pleasure for having her as a coach for two years, but in my two years I have become a tougher player. I just want to thank her because she is the most dedicated person and I can guarantee that we would not have made it this far without her,” said Welsh, who scored three of Wood’s four goals. “She believes in everyone and is always there for you, she always has your back. And even though she does push you really hard, it’s because she cares about you and she is very passionate about the game. I wish all coaches were that passionate. I’ve had a lot of coaches in my career and she’s by far the best one that I’ve had.”
Looking Ahead: Carroll will play Northeast High School this afternoon in the District 12 final – winner will qualify for the PIAA tournament.