By Chris Mueller
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/22/12

Brittany Edwards scored four goals and Kim Hooven notched three more as host Great Valley defeated visiting Springfield-Delco, 14-11, in a District 1 playoff playback game today.

This victory clinched a Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association berth for the top-seeded Patriots (21-1), who were dealt their first loss of the year by Conestoga in the quarterfinals on Saturday. Springfield-Delco (17-5) must defeat Hatboro-Horsham at home on Thursday in the seventh-place game to qualify for states.

The lead went back and forth throughout the contest as both teams played a hard-fought, physical game. Springfield-Delco led, 7-6, at half but Edwards took over in the second half, scoring three goals, including the Patriot’s last two of the game.

“We just wanted to pull away at the end,” said Edwards. “We need to make sure we continue to play our game and keep the team mentality.”

Also scoring for the Patriots were Ali Karwoski and Avery Murphy with two goals apiece. Brooke Gamble, Emily Scullin, and Caitlin Kratzer also scored once each. Jenna Morris made seven saves in net.

“We were hurting ourselves defensively today, but were able to turn it around in the second half,” said Great Valley coach Joe Tornetta. “We needed to get this done today based on how we played against Conestoga. Springfield was not going to give us anything, so we had to battle for the win.”

For Springfield-Delco, Maddy Lynch scored four goals and Alex Gormley tallied three goals and an assist. Chrissy Hughes made nine stops in net.

“Draw control in the second half hurt us today,” said Springfield coach Keith Broome. “When we ran our offense we were usually able to score, but we didn’t make good choices when we had the lead.”

Great Valley 14, Springfield-Delco 11

Great Valley 6-8-14
Springfield-Delco 7-4- 11

GV
Brittany Edwards 4g
im Hooven 3g
Ali Karwoski 2g
Avery Murphy 2g
Emily Scullin 1g
Brooke Gamble 1g
Caitlin Kratzer 1g
Kirsten Hale 1a
Jenna Morris 7 saves

Springfield-D
Maddy Lynch 4g
Alex Gormley 3g 1a
Rachel Charamella 2g
Alex Poplawski 1g 1a
Autumn Spence 1g
Chrissy Hughes 9 saves

Chris Goldberg

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

Chris Goldberg

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/12/12

Alex Poplawski collected four goals and two assists as visiting Springfield-Delco earned a 12-10 victory over Upper Dublin Friday in a non-league girls’ lacrosse finale.

The Cougars closed their season at 15-3, fourth place in the Central League.

Kelly Cross had three goals and three assists and Emily Hitchings (one assist) and Brooke Callahan each scored three for the Cardinals, who won their fifth straight Suburban One American Conference crown this year and also finished 15-3.

Episcopal Academy 12, Penn Charter 6

Lynda Michaels had three goals and an assist and MC Curran scored three goals while Madison Craft added two goals and two assists as EA improved to 10-0 (12-5 overall) in the Inter-Ac League.

Upper Moreland 14, New Hope-Solebury 11

Ashley Duff had four goals and an assist and Lily Sgro scored three goals to pace the Bears to a non-league win over the Lions.

Julie Hunter erupted for six goals and an assist for New Hope.

Chris Goldberg

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/12/12

Face-off specialist Mark Gurenlian won 16 of 19 draws and scored the game-winning goal with one minute to play in overtime as Springfield-Delco defeated Upper Dublin, 8-7, Friday to close its regular season at 10-8.

Gurenlian actually lost the overtime face-off, but took a midfield clear and raced down to score the game-winner.

Lucas Spence and Steve Halko each scored twice for the Cougars.

Leighton Young led the Cards with three goals.

Abington 9, Garnet Valley 8

The host Ghosts won a key non-league game for District 1 seeding, finishing their regular season at 13-5. The Jags also finished at 13-5.

Brian Gallagher scored four goals for Abington while Ryan Ambler added two goals and two assists. Travis O’Connor made 13 saves and Austin Pifani had a goal, an assist and four groundballs.
Chris Duffy added an assist and four groundballs and Josh Kluver had four groundballs.

For Garnet Valley, Jule raucci had four goals and an assist.

Archbishop Wood 11, Holy Ghost Prep 8

Chris Rahill poured in seven goals and added an assist as Wood claimed the non-league win.

Jeremy Omrod had four goals and three assists for Holy Ghost Prep.

Harriton 8, Wissahickon 3

Zach Fink pumped in six goals and Jake Marks had 11 saves as the Rams finished their regular season at 8-9 after winning five games the previous two years.

Chris Goldberg

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/6/12

Alex Poplawski collected four goals and two assists and Maddy Lynch added three goals to help visiting Springfield-Delco claim a 13-10 victory Saturday over Archbishop carroll in non-league girls’ lacrosse.

The Cougars improved to 12-3, while the Patriots fell to 9-7.

Rachel Flynn and Natalie Schmitt paced Carroll with four goals each.

Great Valley 14, Conestoga 7

Ali Karwoski had seven goals and an assist as the Patriots remained perfect at 16-0 with the non-league win.

Abby Lord had three goals and Sarah Priem made 17 saves for the Pioneers.

Germantown Friends 21, Hill School 11

Senior midfielder Annie Morrissey, headed to Dartmouth, had four goals and and an assist and scored her 100th goal as GFS improved to 15-0.

GFS trailed, 8-6, and then rallied for nine unanswered goals after Morrissey scored her 100th. Isabella DiDio collected six goals and three assists and Iris Williamson had five goals and three assists.

Garnet Valley 17, Unionville 9

Halley Barnes had four goals and two assists and Aly Heavens and AnneElise Morello each had three goals and three assists to lead the Jaguars (16-1) to the non-league win.

AnnaBeth Donovan had four goals for the Indians.

Downingtown West 10, Shipley 8

Eva Winiarski had five goals and an assist for the Whippets in the non-league win.

Avery Safford led Shipley with five goals.

Chris Goldberg

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/3/12

Natalie Miller had five goals and an assist and host Radnor rallied from six goals down to claim a key 15-11 victory over Springfield-Delco today in Central League girls’ lacrosse.
The Red Raiders improved to 8-2 in the league and 12-3 overall. The Cougars fell to 7-3 in the league and 11-3 overall. Radnor is tied in the loss column with Harriton (7-2) for second place behind Garnet Valley (9-0).

Springfield-Delco led, 9-3, late in the first half when Radnor began its stunning comeback. The Red Raiders erupted for three goals in a span of 1:42 to end the half on tallies by Taryn Deck (three goals, one assist), Miller and Kristen Norden (two goals, one assist).

Then the Raiders scored four goals to open the second half, capped by Deck’s goal to give Radnor a 10-9 lead. The Cougars tied it, but then Sara Curley put the Raiders ahead to stay.
Shannon Quinn had three goals and an assist and collected five draw controls – many of which were catalysts in the comeback. Grace Collins had 10 saves to lead the defense for the Red Raiders.

Radnor has won six games in a row and nine out of 10.

“Our junior have really stepped up and taken some on-the-field leadership,” said Radnor coach Brooke Fritz.

Alex Poplawski collected three goals and three assists for the Cougars while Nathalie Basunga had three goals and Maddy Lynch had two goals and two assists.

Radnor 15, Springfield-Delco 11

Radnor 6-9-15
Springfield 9-2- 11

Radnor goals:
Natalie Miller 5g, 1a
Shannon Quinn 3G,1a
Taryn Deck 3G, 1a
Kristen Norden 2g, 1a
Sara Curley 2g
Libby Lowry 1a
Amelie Yeager 1a
Grace Collins 10 saves

Springfield-Delco goals:
Alex Poplawski 3G, 3a
Maddy Lynch 2g, 2a
Nathalie Basunga 3G
Kate Ryan 1g
Rachel Charamella 1g
Michelle Gildea 1g
Saves Chrissy Hughes 5

Chris Goldberg

By Harry Chaykun
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 4.24.12

From start to finish, Garnet Valley maintained a level of intensity that is to be expected from the defending state champion.

Playing their most-consistent 50 minutes in several weeks, the Jaguars remained unbeaten with a 13-8 decision over Springfield (Delco) at Moe DeFrank Stadium Tuesday night, snapping the Cougars’ seven-game winning streak.

Garnet Valley (7-0 league) has won 12 in a row this season and 16 straight over two years. Springfield, ranked sixth in the state, fell to 9-2 overall and 5-2 against Central League opponents.

Halley Barnes, who won a pair of games with overtime goals last week, tossed in five shots in the first half and finished with six goals to pace the Garnet Valley attack. Annaelise Morello added three goals and three assists, and Ally Heavens chipped in with one goal and set up teammates for six others. Springfield got two goals from Kate Ryan, Maddy Lynch and Alex Poplawski, while Nathalie Basunga contributed one goal and two assists for the Cougars.

Garnet Valley goalie Kate Stroup turned away 15 shots, and Coley Ricci headed up the Jaguars’ defense, taking a charge at a key point in the game with 10 minutes to play.

“We came out to play from the beginning,” Barnes said. “I know I have cousins from Springfield, and I’ll have something to talk about when I text them.

“This was about everyone on our team, from the scoring leaders to the people on the bench who were so good supporting us and helping making this win possible.”

Barnes’ solid first half helped the Jaguars to a 7-3 lead. Springfield got to within one (8-7) as Poplawski scored her two goals midway through the second half, prompting Garnet Valley head coach Kate Henwood to call a timeout.

Barnes and Morello (assisted by Heavens) came back with goals 41 seconds apart, and Ashley Pyle added a score 27 seconds after Morello’s to build GV’s lead back to four.

Not long after, Ricci stood her ground as Lynch tried to go to goal, and Garnet Valley used the boost it got from the turnover to run time off the clock.

“Our coaches are always making the point that we need to take charges,” Ricci said. “It can really be an energy booster.”

Ricci’s play made her head coach very happy.

“That’s a game-changing play she made,” Henwood said of Ricci, her junior defender. “Possession after a turnover like that is big. Springfield had the momentum, so it was up to us to control the ball and cool them down. And Kate Stroup did an awesome job.”

Ricci, Julia McGrath, Molly Savage, Heavens, Missy Koscinski, Kara Stroup and Lizahn Visser were among the defenders getting the job done in front of Stroup.

“They played great, and it helps having them keeping people away from you,” Kate Stroup said. “(Springfield) can put the pressure on you. It’s good to know I’ll have help, and that’s what makes my job a little easier.”

Springfield made good use of the 8-meter shot to get back in the game.

“I got a couple saves on them,” Stroup said. “You have to have stops in a game like this.”

Garnet Valley 13, Springfield-Delco 8

Springfield 3-5—8
Garnet Valley 7-6—13

Springfield: Kate Ryan 2G 1A, Maddy Lynch 2G, Alex Poplawski 2G, Nathalie Basunga 1G, 2A, Tori Grossi 1G, Aly Gormley 1A.

Garnet Valley: Halley Barnes 6G, Annaelise Morello 3G 3A, Ally Heavens 1G 6A, Haley Warden 1G, Ashley Pyle 1G, Dana Davis 1G.

Saves
Springfield—Chrissy Hughes 7

Garnet Valley—Kate Stroup 15

Chris Goldberg

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 4/11/12

Brooke Kiley had seven goals and two assists and tallied the game-winner in overtime Tuesday to lift host Germantown Academy to a 17-16 the Inter-Ac thriller.
GA was down 15-12 with under 1:30 to play. Freshmen Allie Cannon scored at 1:24 and :53 seconds and then Caroline Haynie scored with 9 seconds left to tie the game.

Kelli Stack scored first for GA in OT and then Molly Pishini from PC scored to tie it at 16 all. Kiley scored with 2:26 left in the second 3 minute OT period and GA got possession of the next draw and ran the clock out.

The Pats are 5-2 overall and 2-0 in the Inter-Ac – both overtime wins.

Molly Pishini had four goals for PC and Avery Shoemaker added three.

Haverford High 17, Marple Newtown 4

Katrina Geiger broke a school record and scored five goals to lead host Haverford a Central League victory over Marple Newtown.

Geiger has 249 career goals, one more than Emily Ryan’s 248. Amanda Case led the Fords with six goals and Olivia Martin added three.

The Fords are 7-1 overall and 2-1 in the Central League.

Springfield-Delco 15, Strath Haven 14

Alex Poplawski had seven goals and Ali Gormley added four as the Cougars (5-1, 2-1) took an 11-5 halftime lead and held off a late rally.

Morgan Glassford led Strath Haven (1-5, 0-3) with five goals.

Sacred Heart 21, Nazareth Academy 10

Eileen Dombrowski had 10 goals and two assists and Karleigh Carlin added a hat trick as the Lions (2-4, 2-2) earned their second straight victory.

Notre Dame Academy 26, Baldwin School 8

Kristen Bandos had four goals, five assists, five caused turnovers and nine draw controls for the Irish in the Inter-Ac win, while Delaney Tuite and Carlianne McCabe had six goals each and Nora McCallion collected three goals and eight assists.

Ali Thaler led Baldwin with five goals and an assist.

Episcopal Academy 14, Springside 6

M.C. Curran had five goals and one assist, while Megan Quinn and Ali Singley chipped in with three goals each for EA.

Libbie Maine had three goals for Springside.

Upper Dublin 15, Norristown 0

Kelly Cross scored the 200th goal of her high school career as Upper Dublin jumped out to a 13-0 halftime lead and eased to a win over Norristown in the Suburban One American Conference. The senior midfielder reached the 200-goal plateau with her fourth goal of the game. She also added four assists.

North Penn 17, Souderton 6

Jenna Stover scored six goals and Brenda McDermott had a nine-point game with four goals and five assists as North Penn downed Souderton.

Rachel Shaw had five goals, Aubrie Stouffer added two.

Carley Kendall led Souderton with two goals.

George School 14, Perkiomen School 6

Jess Minderjahn had four goals to lead the victory.

Merion Mercy Academy 21, Gwynedd-Mercy Acad 10

Bonnie McShane collected four goals and seven assists to pace first-place Merion Mercy to the Catholic Academies win.

Devon Monihan had four goals for GMA.

Friends Central 18, Agnes Irwin 7

Emma Dahle had eight goals and an assist and Becca Dahle added four goals and four assists to pace Friends’ Central.

Washington Township 10, Eastern, NJ 8

Megan Tiernan scored three goals to lead Washington Township to the win.

Alexa Rubino had four goals and an assist for Eastern.

Henderson 17, Kennett 10

Katie O’Donnell poured in six goals and Katelyn Fay added five goals and three assists to help the Warriors improve to 6-0 with the Ches-Mont win.

Toni Massetti had five goals and Sophie duPhily four for Kennett.

Downingtown West 19, Coatesville 5

Eva Winiarski had seven goals and three assists and Jill Sanders six goals for West.

Chris Goldberg

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 4/8/12

Maverik Lacrosse has released “Wing Play” the latest instructional video in the Maverik University video series starring 2011 MLL Champion and 2010 Team USA World Champion member, Kyle Sweeney (Springfield-Delco, former standout on Wings, Barrage).

Kyle Sweeney

In Maverik’s latest video, Sweeney shares his knowledge of playing the wing as a long stick middie. He discusses how to win a face-off ground ball by focusing on field, stick and foot positioning. Click here to view “Wing Play” on Maverik Film’s YouTube channel and make sure to visit the Maverik Lacrosse Facebook page for the latest gear, news and updates on all Maverik athletes.

“Out thinking your opponent and speed are key elements to any player looking to dominant the wing position,” said Sweeney. “If you position yourself properly, box out and drive your opponent away from the ball the chances of your winning the ground ball and creating a scoring opportunity increase dramatically.”

Sweeney has been a favorite of both indoor and outdoor professional lacrosse fans over the last nine years. In 2011, Kyle He played professionally for the Boston Cannons in Major League Lacrosse (MLL) and helped the team capture its first MLL Championship and his fourth. In 2004, 2006 and 2007, Kyle played for the now defunct Philadelphia Barrage taking home three MLL championships. Indoors, Kyle played eight years with the Philadelphia Wings in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) and in 2009 was named to the All-Star game as a reserve. In 2010, Sweeney was also named to play for Team USA at the World Championships in Edinburgh, Scotland where the Americans won it all.

“Kyle is the definition of a shutdown defender meets offensive igniter,” said John Gagliardi, President and founder of Maverik Lacrosse. “He has single-handedly redefined the way wings play from the middle of the field and has made long stick middies an offensive threat. Kyle’s dedication to his sport and his unspoken work ethic, are evident in the success of Maverik and our efforts to grow the sport.”

Chris Goldberg

By Harry Chaykun
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/29/12

The memory of her team’s last trip to Springfield-Delco High’s Halderman Field wasn’t a pleasant one for Harriton senior Jessica Schwab.

“The last time we played here it was raining and they really beat us,” Schwab said.

Thursday’s trip to Springfield was much more pleasant for Schwab and her teammates. Schwab returned to the lineup after missing time because of a concussion and contributed one goal and two assists to a 9-7 Central League victory for the undefeated Rams (4-0, 2-0).

Sophomore Katie Melvin and freshman Jane Henderson both had two goals and one assist, soph Sabrina Tabasso added one goal and a pair of assists, defender Ally McLaughlin got a goal and an assist and Caleigh Foust and Maddie Pisani both scored one goal.

Sophomore Melina Avery stood out in goal for the winners, turning away 12 Springfield shots.

“I felt great being out there and doing something to help my team,” Schwab, who is headed to Cornell, said. “That’s what I missed most about having to stand there and watch them play.

“We’ve had a great start to our season, and we want to be back again when the playoffs start.”

Maddy Lynch scored three goals and Rachel Charamella got two for Springfield (2-1, 1-1). Alex Poplawski chipped in with a pair of assists.

McLaughlin’s goal was her third of the young season.

“I think I only had three goals all last year,” the Pomona (Calif.) College recruit said. “Every now and then you get open when you make a good cut, and today (Schwab) saw me.

“They have a very good team, and it’s great to be able to say we came here and we beat them.”

Harriton earned a regular-season decision over Springfield last year, then was knocked out of the playoffs by the Cougars. The teams shared the Central League title with Garnet Valley and Conestoga.

“I don’t remember us winning on this field,” Rams head coach George Dick said. “Springfield has such a great program, and they’re a team we try to emulate.

“I was really surprised that after they scored first, we went out and took a 6-1 lead on them. We didn’t have that many assists in our other games because a lot of times we just get the ball and run to goal. Today we got plenty of assists, and our defense did a great job. It’s early, but we hope a win like this will help us keep going because the whole thing is about playing well in May.”

Avery’s efforts in goal keyed the Rams’ defensive performance. She got strong support from Hilary Lemonick, Alison Tepper, Maura Henderson, Jess Herman, McLaughlin, Tabasso and Jane Henderson.

“I get to face a lot of good shots in practice,” Avery, who began playing in goal as a fifth grader, said. “The whole team plays well together and we try to always do our best.”

The Cougars rallied late in the first half when freshman Emily Santana, Nathalie Basunga and Charamella scored while the Rams were short because of yellow cards, one of which was assessed to Dick.

“I did my best to help them,” Dick said, shaking his head at his untimely actions. “But after they scored right away in the second half, we came back opened our lead back up.”

Jane Henderson, a freshman, got her two goals less than a minute apart, then Schwab set up McLaughlin to build the Rams’ margin back to four goals with 17 minutes to play.

Harriton is headed to St. Petersburg, Florida, to play during spring break in the prestigious AmLax Tournament, while Springfield and Haverford will be competing next week in Virginia.

“Mount St. Joseph, (Archbishop) Carroll and Conestoga also will be in Florida,” Dick said. “We’re really looking forward to our trip, especially after a win like this.”

Harriton 9, Springfield (Delco) 7

Harriton 6-3—9
Springfield-D 4-3—7

Harriton: Katie Melvin 2G 1A, Jane Henderson 2G 1A, Jessica Schwab 1G 2A, Sabrina Tabasso 1G 2A, Ally McLaughlin 1 G 1A, Caleigh Foust 1 G, Maddie Pisani 1 G.

Springfield: Maddy Lynch 3G, Rachel Charamella 2G, Emily Santana 1G, Nathalie Basunga 1G, Alex Poplawski 2A.

Saves
Harr—Melina Avery 12
Spr Chrissy Hughes-7.

Chris Goldberg