Archbishop Carroll field hockey definitely had a great week. The Patriots remain undefeated in Philadelphia Catholic League play ending with a 1-0 win against Cardinal O’Hara in overtime Friday. This win advances Carroll’s record to 4-0.
This victory comes after a vigorous game seeded against Bonner & Prendie earlier in the week.
DREXEL HILL, PA-- It was the scene of an intense rivalry as the Bonner & Prendergast Pandas’ field hockey team hosted the Archbishop Carroll Patriots in Philadelphia Catholic League (PCL) action Wednesday night. Carroll managed to secure an early 1-0 advantage and with that and teamwork in place, the Patriots registered a 2-0 shutout.
“Our passes were there,” said Megan Curry who scored the first goal. “Our hustle was there. Our unity was there.”
With this outcome, Carroll improved its record to 7-1 on the season. It remained undefeated at 3-0 in the PCL. The Patriots were also seeking some revenge on Prendie for an overtime loss in last year’s PCL championship game.
"They do a lot together,” said Archbishop Carroll head coach Christina Elisio. “They’re all about the unit. They go out and have fun.”
Prendie dropped its record to 2-1 in the PCL and 3-2 overall. The Pandas thus far have been especially strong in the midfield.
Archbishop Carroll vs. Bonner-Prendergast
"Forwards are fast,” said head coach Joanne Dolan. “They’re working on their timing. With each game, we’re getting better.”
Curry secured that first goal just two and a half minutes in to the competition and her team had a permanent lead. Katie Labella tallied a goal with 2:10 to play in the opening half. Keri Daly and Carleigh Connors accounted for the assists.
“It sparked the momentum,” said Curry. “It helped bring us all together.”
The second half simply came and went. Prendie used a time out with 22:35 on the clock hoping to be able to find the net but it did not happen. Knowing the Pandas were threatening; however, Carroll took a time out of its own with 1:25 on the clock but the last 85 seconds flew by and that was a match.
"They did really well in connecting their passes, talking to each other, keeping their energy up high and staying positive,” said Elisio.
Archbishop Carroll vs. Bonner-Prendergast (video- Dan McCarty)
Goalkeeper Mary Kate Kearney made five saves and this marked her third league shutout. Teammate Carly Bateman also prevailed on defense.
“Defense has been on fire,” said Curry. “It’s great to have great defense.”
Prendie goalkeeper Chelsea Rafferty kept her team’s defense on its feet.
“We do it together as one,” said Rafferty. “We’re very confident. We like to be positive about everything as a team.”
Both teams will be back on the field again on Monday, Sept. 26.
Bonner-Prendie will play home against Bishop McDevitt.
Carroll will play away against Archbishop Ryan.