NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA—It was a game etched on each team’s calendar that was definitely going to be a challenge. Both teams not strangers when it comes to competition or skill.
But on Tuesday, Oct. 23, Episcopal Academy field hockey hosted the Academy of Notre Dame in a fierce contest that came down to one thing- which team wanted it more.
The Irish went into the game with an undefeated 6-0 league record. The Churchwomen 5-2-1 in the league.
EA showed up to play and to win and that pretty much summed up the day.
The Churchwomen displayed great ball handling and movement the entire battle and maintained field control throughout the contest.
"I thought it was a very well-played game. We moved the ball extremely well through the midfield and had threatening attacking passes and combinations that got us in on goal to create corner opportunities,” said Episcopal Academy head coach Gina Buggy.
Episcopal Academy vs Academy of Notre Dame (photo- Alexandra Conroy EA Jr. Reporter).
EA’s defense managed to hold the Irish scoreless in the first half. EA senior forward Gianna Pantaleo (Boston Univ. commit), netted the first goal before the first period ended which set the tone for the rest of the game.
“The defense was patient, yet aggressive and our hits were timely,” said Buggy.
The Irish led off the second half with goal by senior midfielder Lauren Curran (Boston College commit), assisted by junior Mia Leonhardt (North Carolina commit).
The game continued to be tied for quite some time, that is until EA sophomore midfielder Sofia Acosta was at the right place at the right time.
Acosta scored off a deflection and dunked the ball in mid-air with the tip of her stick for the tie-ending goal.
“When I saw the ball coming up in the air I didn't think twice about hitting it in. I had practiced hitting balls out of the air into the goal so many times by myself or just fooling around at practice, but I would have never thought I would use it in such an important game since I am more of a defensive player. When it was in the air it felt like the ball was moving in slow motion and all I was thinking was “don't miss”. I hadn't even realized the goal had counted and broke the tie putting us up 2-1 before all of my teammates were screaming and hugging me”, said Acosta.
EA sophomore Sofia Acosta scores off of a deflection in game vs. Notre Dame. (video by Melissa Rehak).
“Watching the ball roll off the field and hearing the buzzer ending the second half of the game was the happiest I had ever felt after a field hockey game," said Acosta.
With an adrenaline rush after that goal, the Churchwomen continued to dominate the field.
Senior forward Maddie Rehak (Bucknell commit), finished things off for her team giving EA the 3-1 victory over the Irish ending their nine-game winning streak.
“It was an amazing feeling to solidify the win for the team. We worked the ball down the field so many timed and the defense and midfield allowed the opportunity to get many shots off during the game,” said Rehak. “The win was a hard-fought battle from everyone on the team and I am so proud of my teammates for giving everything they have and making our final Notre Dame game so memorable for all of the seniors."
Although this win does not garner the Churchwomen an Inter-Ac title, it does give them incentive towards something bigger.
“With this win we are ready to take on any and every team that comes our way. Though we can no longer win the Inter-Ac title the EA field hockey tea is determined to win the PAISAA Tournament,” said Rehak.
Episcopal Academy field hockey pose for team picture after the game. (photo- Melissa Rehak).
EA senior Maddie Rehak takes selfie celebration with her team.
“After this game, I think we now know what we have to do in order for the team's performance to keep getting better and this gave us a lot of confidence for the upcoming PAISAA tournament. We know that there are going to be a lot of great teams competing but now we have the confidence needed to go into this tournament with the right mindset,” said Acosta.
EA will host one more league game tomorrow against Springside Chestnut Hill Academy before the PAISAA Tournament begins on November 1.
Notre Dame will host Germantown Academy today to determine the Inter-Ac Champion.
ND GK: Paige Kieft - 4 saves
EA GK: Caroline Kelly - 11 saves
EA Assists: Kelly Smith (1), Macy Szukics (1), Gianna Pantaleo (1)