Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/19/12
Staff Report
Harriton used a strong defense down the stretch and six goals by Jess Schwab to earn a 10-9 victory today over Springfield-Delco in a girls’ District 1 quarterfinal game at West Chester East.
The victory vaults the fourth-seeded Rams (18-3) into the semifinals against Conestoga Tuesday at Henderson at 5 p.m. The other semifinal will feature Garnet Valley vs. Radnor at Henderson at 7 p.m. All four teams are members of the Central League. The Cougars will play at Great Valley in a playback at 4 p.m. Tuesday
Harriton blanked the Cougars (17-4) over the final 13 minutes and also held them scoreless during a possession that lasted over four minutes after taking the 9-8 lead. Harriton’s Jane Henderson tied the game with 12:29 to play and Schwab scored the game-winner with 6:42 to play.
After that goal, Springfield-Delco won the draw and had possession for more than four minutes, but could not score on Melina Avery (10 saves). Harriton finally got the ball back with 2:11 to play and was able to hold the ball the rest of the way.
“This team has been tremendously gritty all year,” said Harriton coach George Dick. “To make it to states despite playing shorthanded with some injuries is a great accomplishment.”
The Harriton defense was led by Ally McLaughlin, Maura Henderson, Alison Tepper, Hilary Lemonick, Jess Herman, Jane Henderson and Sabrina Tabasso.
“All year we seem to be able to come up with big plays when we need them,” said Dick. “The defense played unbelievable in the last six minutes. They were impenetrable; every shot was contested and Melina Avery was awesome.”
Harriton 10, Springfield-Delco 9
Harriton 5-5-10
Springfield-Delco 4-5- 9
Harriton
Jess Schwab 6g
Sabrina Tabasso 2g, 1a
Caleigh Foust 1g
Jane Henderson 1g
Bailey Ebby 1a
Melina Avery 10 saves
Springfield-Delco
Alex Poplawski 2g
Nathalie Basunga 2g
Autumn Spence 1g
Emily Santana 1g
Emily Paulus 1g
Maddy Lynch 1g
Kate Ryan 1g
