WEST CHESTER, PA- On Tuesday June 6, 2017 Archbishop Carroll and Garnet Valley faced off in the semifinals of the PIAA AAA girls’ lacrosse tournament. Both teams entered the game coming off two big wins. Garnet Valley defeated Conestoga in overtime 11-10 and Carroll beat Owen J Roberts 15-5, making school history advancing to the semifinal round. Both Carroll and Garnet Valley took the field with great energy. After a high scoring game Carroll took home the win, securing a spot in the state championship with a final score of 13-11.
2017 PIAA 3A Girls' LAX Highlight Video
Carroll’s Sam Swart started the Patriots off strong with a quick goal at 23:13. Garnet Valley answered back with a goal from Riley Delaney one minute later. Katie Detwiler and Swart led Carrol’s offensive attack, scoring three more goals for the Patriots.
At 11:49, Carroll senior Anna Murphy scored another goal for the Patriots after receiving a perfectly placed pass from Grace Gallagher.
At the end of the first half, Carroll held the lead with a score of 7-4.
During halftime, the Garnett Valley Jaguars adjusted their game plan and came out on fire. Reagan Nealon and Delaney scored two goals within three minutes for Garnet Valley upon entering the second half.
“No one wanted the season to end, that’s what I love about these girls is that they care so much and they are willing to do whatever it takes for their teammates to be able to come back. And that’s huge,” said Jaguar’s head coach Jennifer Purvis.
Players Shake Hands
Post Interview with GV's Jennifer Purvis
The Jaguars tallied six more goals in the second half. Garnet Valley junior Camryn Faith scored at the 13-minute mark off an assist from Kara Nealon. Delaney put two goals on the board, her first being a breakaway, within the last two minutes of the game.
However, the Patriots also continued their momentum during the second half. Swart finished the game leading her team with seven goals, followed by Detwiler who scored five goals in route to Carroll’s 13-11 victory.
Post Game Interview with Carroll's Sam Swart & Katie Detwiler
Carroll's head coach, Lorraine Beers, expresses her excitement making it to the finals
On the defensive end, Patriot’s goalkeeper Madelyn Ferraioli came up with numerous game-changing saves to ensure Carroll’s state championship berth.
Despite the high intensity game, the sportsmanship displayed between each team was outstanding. Many times throughout the game, attendees saw glimpses of players helping their opponents up from the field, high-fiving each other and coaches complimenting each other’s team.
Although the Jaguar’s season came to an end, Purvis had nothing but great things to say about her team even after a tough loss.
“The biggest thing that makes me so proud is my team’s ability to never give up,” said Purvis.
Looking Ahead: Archbishop Carroll will take on Springfield this Saturday June 10, 2017 at West Chester East High School's Harold Zimmerman Stadium in their first ever state championship appearance. The game is scheduled to start at noon.