ROSEMONT PA--The Academy of Notre Dame field hockey team opened its Inter Ac League action on a strong note at the home of Agnes Irwin on Friday, September 14, 2018. The team simply worked together and helped each other out to come away with a 5-0 victory.
“We wanted to come out strong and show them that we were ready to play on their turf and not break down,” said Academy of Notre Dame junior midfielder Jess Schneider.
With this outcome Notre Dame remained undefeated on the season with a 5-0 record.
Notre Dame was off to a solid start striking early in the game. Schneider tallied the first goal followed by sophomore Abby D’ Anjolell who scored her first varsity career goal. Junior midfielder and forward Mia Leonhardt assisted by Megan Mitchell made it 3-0 within the first five minutes on the clock.
Senior co-captain and forward Lauren Curran scored in the second half with an assist by Lindsey Barnes.
Agnes Irwin vs. Academy of Notre Dame
Agnes Irwin used a time out with 6:24 to play in regulation and returned to the field with a more pressing offense. But the Irish’s defense held the Irwins’ from registering a goal.
With 5:01 left on the clock, Curran, assisted by Leonhardt, accounted for her second goal of the day. That was the match.
“The first three goals made us break down,” said Monzo. “We weren’t stopping the ball. We weren’t connecting and positioning in the right spaces.”
Although the Owls faced difficulty on offense, senior tri-captain and goalkeeper Paige DiLullo led the way on defense.
“In the first half, we weren’t able to play as a team,” said DiLullo. “We played a little scared. In the second half we were able to play better.”
Agnes Irwin managed to pick up the pace on defense as the second stanza progressed because the defenders became more aware of who was shooting and where.
“I started to see their system and who their shooters were,” said DiLullo.
Agnes Irwin vs. Academy of Notre Dame (video- Dan McCarty)
Sophomore goalkeeper Paige Kieft paced Notre Dame’s defense but could not have done so without her teammate defenders.
"It comes down to my defense,” said Kieft. “They make sure I never have to see the ball. It’s great to make saves but the best player out there is the one who can stop the ball before it goes in to the circle.”
Agnes Irwin and Notre Dame have a long season ahead. They will face each other again on Friday, October 12, with Notre Dame hosting.
“Communication will be key to our success,” said Schneider. “If we play our best, we can have a successful season as a team.”
Next in Inter-Ac League action, the Owls will have an away game against Penn Charter on Tuesday Sept. 25.
The Irish will play at home against visiting Springside Chestnut Hill Academy also on the 25th.