ROSEMONT, PA – 25 total goals, three overtimes and two and a half hours later…a verdict was finally reached.
Episcopal Academy’s girls’ lacrosse team defeated rival Agnes Irwin on the Owls home turf by a score of 13-12. Freshman, Devon Whitaker, was the heroine for the Churchwomen who received a perfectly placed assist from Taylor Lucey and struck the back of the goal with 17 seconds remaining in the game.
“Coming off of spring break, we really were looking to win this game, especially because it was our league opener,” said Whitaker, who scored two total goals in the contest. “It’s very exciting and we really needed the win to move forward. I think we all worked for it.”
Upon entering the game, EA head coach Josie Ferri briefed her team on a plan of attack that focused in on three particular “keys” to follow in order to come out victorious.
Needless to say, it worked.
“We always have a game plan with specific "Keys" to the game and our very first key for today was ‘3 C’s’ – Communication, Composure and Courage,” said Ferri. “We generally try to stay away from the word ‘confidence’ because confidence usually comes after a positive result. We want to have the ‘Courage’ to do what we know is right, even when times are tough and the pressure is on. I think the girls focused on having courage during the game, maintaining composure and trusting their teammates everywhere on the field.”
EA freshman Devon Whitaker talks about scoring the game winner
EA junior Katie Crager explains "Our Way" slogan
Olivia Dirks got things started on offense just two minutes into the game, scoring the first goal of the game for EA. 20 seconds later, Olivia Carey answered for Agnes Irwin.
AIS vs. EA Highlight Video
The Churchwomen led 6-4 at the half. Olivia Tuma added her second goal of the afternoon with 23:49 left to play in the second to put her team up 7-4. However, the Irwins got their second wind. The Owls scored four unanswered goals with Maria Pansini leading the offensive attack, followed by Alex Hark and Emily Wills (2).
Both teams remained tied at 12 for the duration of three overtimes before Whitaker ended the game.
Eight different players contributed to EA’s 13 points. The Churchwomen’s unselfish play is all part of this year’s theme, “Our Way,” which equates to focusing on EA lacrosse and placing complete trust in each teammate on the field.
“Our slogan this year is ‘Our Way’ which means we want to focus on everything that is EA lacrosse. Everything else on the field serves as a distraction, including the score. We really just want to focus on us, the decisions we're making and what we can control. We want to focus on executing the game plan that we talk about on an individual and team level, while trusting each other and understanding that part of ‘Our Way’ is a ‘Team Way.’ We had eight different goal scorers and seven assists today. I think that really demonstrates a team mindset," said Ferri.
AIS sophomore Emily Wills talks about the positive takeaways from the game
Agnes Irwin also had multiple players score in the match, with the lead goal scorer being sophomore Emily Wills totaling three goals and one assist. The Owls came into their first league game undefeated in regular season play. Two of the Irwins most prominent victories were against reigning Florida State Champions, Vero Beach High School, and Our Lady of Good Counsel (MD), who was ranked fourth in the country by U.S. Lacrosse Magazine.
“Lacrosse in this area is really strong. Our schedule is really strong, we play 10 top nationally ranked teams,” said AIS head coach Jenny Duckenfield. “So the one detriment against us is that we are so hyped all the time and so strong to where we don’t get a break. I love the fact that we are always in a dog fight. I don’t want quick wins. Second, I think we get too hyped especially for this game. We need to remember to play our game. I keep trying to tell my girls to compartmentalize and play within themselves and not buy in to the hype. But I know the second time around (vs. EA) is going to be a really good game.”
Episcopal and Agnes Irwin will meet again at EA on May 2. In the meantime, the Owls will travel to face Springside Chestnut Hill in another league match up tomorrow at 4:15 pm. The Churchwomen will play an out of league game against Merion Mercy Academy on April 8 before visiting the Academy of Notre Dame in their next Inter-Ac game on April 10 at 3:30 pm.
Game Stats:
G goal
A assist
D.C. Draw control
CTO caused turnovers
GB ground ball
Agnes Irwin:
Emily Wills 3g, 1a
Maria Pansini 2g
Natalie Pansini 2g
Olivia Carey 2g
Emma Macaione 1g
Alex Hark 1g
Sydney Wolfington 1g, 2a
Lila Barker 1a
Hailey Andress – 12 saves
Episcopal Academy:
Ally Marino - 2g
Izzy Rohr - 3dc, 7gb, 4cto
Ali McHugh - 1dc
Olivia Tuma - 2g, 1a, 2gb, 1cto
Devon Whitaker - 2g, 1gb
Olivia Dirks - 1g, 4dc
Lindsay Walling - 2gb
Sarah Keffer - 2g
Lauren Rodio - 1gb, 2cto
Jayne Morley - 1dc
Katie Crager - 1g, 1a, 6dc, 2gb
Olivia Cunningham - 1g, 1gb
Bridget Boyle - 1gb
Taylor Lucey - 2g, 5a, 1gb, 3cto
Helena Morrison – 7 saves