NEWTON SQUARE, PA- With over 20 Inter-Ac titles to Germantown Academy's name, Episcopal had a tough match to play Tuesday in O'Neill Gym.
The fast-paced game showed skill from both teams with smart passes, aggressive steals, and quick rebounds.
The Patriots took the lead over EA the first quarter 15-9, but the second quarter changed the story of the game.
EA's head coach Chuck Simmonds credits this quarter to his team's success.
"I think that second quarter helped us. We got a 7-point lead by half. It gave us a little bit of a settle down period by halftime," said Simmonds.
EA vs. GA (23 photos by EA Jr. Reporter Annin Decker)
EA entered halftime with a 28-21 lead over GA.
From this point on, the Churchwomen maintained about a 10-point lead for the remainder of the game.
EA's Elodie Furey defends GA's Lilly Bolen - PSD photo by Annin Decker
Senior captain and forward Elodie Furey was a huge asset to her team with 10 rebounds overall.
Junior guard Seanna McNamara also stepped up with 7 rebounds and a total of 23 points for EA. Not far behind was junior forward Luca Mamula with 14 points and 4 steals.
Simmonds called the win a "complete team effort."
The Patriots were down 43-32 by the end of the third quarter.
GA's Head Coach Dr. Sherri Retif says she's never had so many freshman on the court.
"I'm extremely proud of the way that they hustle. We have a very bright future. It's just how fast we can materialize that future," said Retif.
GA head coach Sherri Retif post game interview
EA head coach Chuck Simmonds post interview
Freshman guard Maddie Vizza lead GA with 11 points overall.
With just under two minutes left to play, GA began closing the point gap on the scoreboard, but it wasn't enough to defeat EA.
The game ended with an Episcopal home victory 56-49.
Final seconds of the game
GA senior captain and guard Lilly Bolen had six points overall.
"It was not our best game and as a team I think we can definitely work on our chemistry. We have a young team with a lot of new players who have not played together so there is bound to be some difficulties, but the new players have adjusted so well and really understand our expectations for the season," said Bolen.
Bolen added she would love to win the Inter-Ac and states this season, but her team understands they have some very competitive games scheduled against both in league and out of league opponents.
Looking Ahead: GA will host their 20th Annual Make A Wish Basketball Showcase, which will take place at Germantown Academy on December 16th and 17th. EA will travel to play Abington High School on Monday Dec. 19th at 7PM for a non-league match-up.