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.
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