By: Dan McCarty
ROSEMONT, PA –The 2018-2019 basketball season is underway and the Agnes Irwin Owls hosted the Episcopal Academy Churchwomen when both teams began Inter Ac League action on Tuesday, December 18, 2018.
Episcopal Academy was off to a solid start in this match and ultimately walked off of the court with a 57-39 victory.
“We made some shots early in the first quarter and that set the tone,” said Episcopal Academy head coach Chuck Simmonds.
AIS junior Katie Anderson talks about her team's success against tough non-league opponents:
As the lone senior for EA, captain Olivia Dirks talks team chemistry and underclassmen making an impact:
AIS vs. EA
The Owls have an especially young squad this season but they are quite confident that it will be a successful one.
“I expect for us to have a good season,” said junior Katie Anderson. “I think we’re going to play some tricky teams.”
EA jumped to a quick 18-0 surplus. Leading scorer Amanda Purcell registered eight of her 15 points during this opening period. Senior captain Olivia Dirks along with teammates Raeleen Keffer-Scharpf, Bella Piselli and Cara Harty helped contribute during this run. Agnes Irwin used two time outs and gradually settled down. Anderson as well as Brynn Gallagher hit back-to-back three point field goals to give the Owls some points. Anderson also shot three from the foul line and cut the score to 20-9 as the quarter ended.
“We wanted to play good defense and we made good passes,” said Simmonds. “That helped us.”
EA held a 33-15 halftime advantage but the game was far from over. Keffer-Scharpf and Harty ultimately finished with a total of 11 points apiece. Piselli added four points and five assists. Dirks also had four points.
“We’re a younger team,” said Dirks. “We have a lot of freshman that stepped up.”
Anderson (13 points) is having a remarkable career. As a junior, she is chasing her 1,000th career point.
“If I work really hard, I can possibly get it at the end of this year or early next year,” she said.
Episcopal Academy and Agnes Irwin have a long road ahead. With a young team coming along, the Owls definitely believe they are headed in the right direction.
“We’re really young,” said Carter. “It’s really optimistic. We have young kids coming up.”
EA is young as well with Dirks being the lone senior on the roster. Everyone improves each day.
“Our team is just working hard to get better,” said Dirks. “We all really connect to each other.”
Episcopal will return to league action in the New Year at home on January 4 against Springside Chestnut Hill. Agnes Irwin will resume Inter-Ac play on Jan. 7 against Notre Dame.