NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA – It was the match up of the season as the Academy of Notre Dame and Episcopal Academy met for a Thursday night game at EA.
The longstanding rivalry between the Inter-Ac's top competitors came to a head in the pouring rain, but that didn't stop spectators from watching this much-anticipated match-up.
Prior to play, EA players warmed up in "Team Evie" shirts in memory of former teammate, friend and alumna Evie O'Brian, who passed away in 2014.
O'Brian's parents, David and Christy, stood close by as the national anthem played and the girls later presented them with Team Evie pumpkins. Evie was remembered as the embodiment of what every athlete should aim to be.
Following this emotional moment, it was game time.
ND started with possession of the ball and continued to play to their advantages throughout the first half.
ND's senior captain Quinn Maguire tallied three goals by halftime.
Final seconds of the game
The weather was not only proving to be a challenge for the players, but also EA's goalie as she slipped and slid along the soaking wet turf.
"We lost a lot of our players from last year, but we're still able to be competitive with this team. The girls are keeping their stick on the ball and it's making the game interesting,” said an observing EA parent.
EA was the 2015 undefeated Inter-Ac and PAISAA champions, but ND came back this year with an unending determination.
Early in the second half, EA's senior captain Corinne Zanolli put EA on the board with a penalty stroke. It was evident her team came back hungry in this half.
ND was quick with their breakaways throughout the game and Tina D'Anjolell scored the team's final goal.
ND won the game 4-1.
EA's Corinne Zanolli reflects on the game
Cami Osborne talks about ND's defense
ND coach Adele Williams post game interview
After the game, EA's head coach Gina Buggy noted that her team has been working hard to improve throughout the season.
"It was a fast-paced game. Notre Dame has a strong team all over the field. This season has been unbelievably fun. We've come from a pretty young team, somewhat inexperienced and kids are stepping up, playing new positions, working hard together and it's great fun watching this evolution," said Buggy.
ND Head Coach Adele Williams couldn't pick one standout player on her squad following the victory.
"I think everybody gave something tonight. That is all I needed. When everybody gives a little, you get a result like this," said Williams.
Next week, EA will host Springside Chestnut Hill in its final league game. ND will also have two tough games this upcoming week against GA and Penn Charter. The Irish are taking one game at time in order to continue to keep their eyes on the Inter-Ac prize.