By James Boyle
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/16/12
Bonnie McShane collected three goals and two assists as host Merion Mercy defeated Mount Saint Joseph, 13-11, in the first round of the girls’ District 1 tournament Tuesday at St. Joseph’s University.
The 12th-seeded Bears (16-2), champions of the Athletic Association of Catholic Academies, defeated the league rival Mount (13-6) for the third time this year.
Merion advances to play at fifth-seeded Springfield-Delco in the second round Thursday. Springfield-Delco defeated Pennsbury, 14-3.
The first half ended in a 6-6 tie, but Merion Mercy quickly took over in the second half with four unanswered goals.
Courtney Devine and Roseanita Hurley scored three times apiece for Merion Mercy. Julianne D’Orazio had two goals and two assists, and Olivia Nostrant had one goal and a team-high three assists. Katie Fitzpatrick added two assists.
“We always knew that they were a pretty good defensive team,” said McShane. “We decided to try and settle the ball and work on our fast breaks and look for the girl in the middle when we bring it back behind.
“I think it was a pretty good job by everyone. We all complimented each other pretty well.”
Merion Mercy goalie Caili Guilday had 15 saves.
Olivia Gannon, Dominique Nyzio and Emilee Ehret each had three goals for the Mount. Burke Brabson had two goals and her team’s only assist. Magic goalie Alex Lista had nine saves
“My expectations were to win and I thought out girls did play really well,” said Mount Saint Joseph coach Jenny Duckenfield. “Merion got off to a quick start in that second half, and that’s kind of what carried them to that win today.
“I’m frustrated, but I thought it can’t take anything away from Merion, because they played really hard and they capitalized on the draw and they did things right. You’ve got to give that team credit.”
Merion Mercy is ready for the challenge of facing Springfield-Delco.
“I think it’s going to be a tough game, but I definitely think if we all step up,” D’Orazio said. “If we all play together and play as a team, I think we have a chance.”
(12) Merion Mercy Academy 13, (21) Mount St. Joseph 11
Merion Mercy Academy Stats:
Bonnie McShane, 3g/2a
Courtney Devine, 2g
Grace O’Connor, 1g
Julianne D’orazio, 2g/2a
Roseanita Hurley, 3g
Olivia Nostrant, 1g/3a
Katie Fitzpatrick, 2a
Caroline Corzel, 1g
Caili Guilday (Goalie), 15 saves
Mount St. Joseph Stats:
Olivia Gannon, 3g
Dominique Nyzio, 3g
Burke Brabson, 2g/1a
Emilee Ehret, 3g
Lista (Goalie), 9 saves
