Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 7/8/12
Staff Report
Philly’s Katrina Geiger (Haverford High), Maddy Lynch (Springfield-Delco) and Kelly Cross (Upper Dublin) played key roles as Team Heather Leigh Albert claimed the U-19 girls’ championship today at the 40th annual Vail Shootout by downing Heros 2013, 11-7.
Geiger had five draw controls and two assists in the title game while Cross and Lynch did not score but had strong games. Tea HLA had advanced tot the title game by blanking Puget Sound Select, 8-0, early in the morning in the semifinals as Lynch had a goal and an assist and Geiger had three draws and an assist.
Geiger, who along with Cross played last weekend in the Under Armour All-American Game at Towson, said playing for Team HLA was a thrill. Team HLA was coached by Kathy Jenkins, the famed mentor at perennial girls’ lacrosse power St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes (Va.) and featured elite players from the East region. Team HLA has won the crown three straight years.
“First of all, it’s a really special foundation,” she said. “We got to play with great players and great coaches. Also, I had never been to Vail.”
Team HLA led by a comfortable margin most of the way, but found its lead dwindle to 8-7 before scoring the last three goals.
“We kind of fell asleep there for a while,” said Geiger. “But we knew we were the better team. Also, I loved playing with Kelly and Maddy; they played awesome!”
All-Tournament Team
Maddie Ossello – Team Colorado
Halle Duenkell – Stars
Siena Gumbiner – Durangatangs
Caitlyn Porter – Houston Heat
Margo Judd – Utah Mamaci Elite
Natalie Fox – Puget Sound Select
Lucy Mower – Team 180
Megan Pettine – Heros 2013
Delaney Norris – Heros 2013
Makensie Smith – Team HLA
Holly Majorana – Team HLA
Erica Bodt – Team HLA
Teal Harrsion – Midwestern Force
MVP
Taylor Ranftle – Team HLA
