GIRLS’ LAX: Germantown Academy "Put Their Fears Aside" In Home Win Against Penn Charter

By PSD Staff, 04/14/17, 3:30PM EDT

FORT WASHINGTON, PA – This year Germantown Academy’s girls’ lacrosse team has been “burying their fears,” in preparation for each game.

“Our motto this year is “burn your fears,’” said GA head coach Brooke Watson. “Prior to a game day, they write a fear down about the upcoming game, they read it aloud, then burn it. They bury their fear and as a team we support them on the field.”

This motto came in handy on Wednesday, as the Patriots (2-1 Inter-Ac) hosted Penn Charter (1-2 Inter-Ac) recording a 9-7 victory.

Olivia Doody scores 1 of her 3 goals for GA

Alexis Joseph scores for Penn Charter

Belle McMahon scores 1 of her 3 goals for GA

Senior Belle McMahon and sophomore Olivia Doody led the attack for GA scoring three goals a-piece, followed by senior Ali Crump with two goals and freshman Maddi Ota with one.

Heading into the half, the Patriots and Quakers were tied 5-5. Coach Watson told her team during the intermission to remain composed and focus on the ball.

“At the half we spoke about just taking care of the ball, one play at a time,” said Watson. “Don’t shoot just to shoot. Shoot to score.”

Penn Charter senior, Courtney Cubbin led the Quakers on the field with three goals. Sophomore Emma Wilson added a goal for PC in the second half along with senior Macaul Mellor, who scored her second goal of the afternoon to tighten the gap for the Quakers.

“GA outworked us and played harder,” said Quakers head coach and GA alum, Colleen Magarity. “[Thursday] we had a good practice and the girls worked hard. I am trying to have them believe in the themselves and the team, but it has to start with commitment and work ethic at practice.”

Magarity is also buying in to the idea of putting “fears” aside this season.

“[Our] goal this season is to play together and with no fear,” said Magarity. “We are an extremely young team, so I need my young girls to play with confidence in order to win games. As a whole, if we play together and with confidence we have the capability to be very good."

Looking Ahead: Germantown Academy’s next league match-up will take place on Tuesday, April 18 at home against Episcopal Academy. Penn Charter will also play at home on Tuesday against Baldwin. Both games are scheduled to begin at 3:30pm.