SPRINGFIELD, PA--What a day it was for the Cardinal O’Hara Lions’ lacrosse team on Senior Day. The team hosted the Lansdale Catholic Crusaders and emerged with a substantial 12-3 victory yesterday.
With this outcome, O’Hara improved its Philadelphia Catholic League (PCL) record to 7-2 on the season. It currently stands in second place behind the Archbishop Carroll Patriots. Prior to the game, the three senior captains including Cali Camuti, Anna DiRita and Anna Funchion were recognized.
“We have the skill to win,” said Camuti. “We also have heart. We work together and support each other.”
O'Hara Senior Captains, Cali Camuti, Anna DiRita and Anna Funchion were honored on senior day before the game. -photo Dan McCarty
In addition to a strong senior year, DiRita achieved another milestone by scoring her 100th career-goal along with teammate Erin Grady.
It was a great accomplishment,” said DiRita. “It’s something I have been working toward since freshman year.”
Lansdale Catholic dropped to 5-4 in the league on the afternoon. The 90-degree temperatures combined with blistering sunshine made an impact on the players.
"Heat played a factor,” said Crusaders' head coach Alexis Setley. “Nobody was prepared for it. We changed our lineup. That gave us a kick of momentum.”
Cardinal O'Hara vs. Lansdale Catholic -photos Dan McCarty
DiRita’s run held true on this day as she prevailed with four goals. Julia Ferraiolo, Rachel Familetti, Jackie McPeak, Laura Evangelist and Camuti all scored for the Lions, too. They had defeated the Crusaders in the 2017 semifinals although the score was much tighter.
"If Jules keeps shooting the ball the way she does, we’ll do well,” said Cardinal O’Hara head coach Jenny Duckenfield.
Hailey Gianoni, Sarah Cooney and Corrine Coonahan tallied a goal apiece for the Crusaders.
“We’ve really been working on transitions,” said DiRita. “The score showed how hard we work together as a team. It’s a whole team effort.”
O’Hara goalkeeper Jackie Deuber-Peterson finished with six saves. Funchion, Evangelist as well as teammates Katie Shallow and Marisa Lobb also prevailed on defense.
“They all had a great game on defense,” said Duckenfield. “Defense was solid. Jackie makes tough saves.”
Goalkeeper Emily Schall led the Lansdale Catholic defense and along with her teammates limited O’Hara to just four goals in the second half.
“She had some amazing saves,” said Setley. “We just pressured the ball more in the second half.
O’Hara has its work cut out as it takes on defending champion Archbishop Carroll Tues, May 8, in its final PCL game of the regular season. Carroll has taken home the PCL trophy for the last 17 years so the Lions want to come roaring back this time.
“We’re hoping for a different outcome,” said Camuti. “The whole team believes in each other.”
Lansdale Catholic also continues its PCL action Tuesday against Archbishop Wood.