By James Boyle
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/17/12
The Academy of Notre Dame ended several years of frustration and defeated visiting Episcopal Academy, 18-11, today to force a tie for the Inter-Ac League girls’ lacrosse championship between the two teams.
Kristen Bandos scored eight times and added on assist to help lead the Irish to their commanding win and first-ever Inter-Ac crown.
Both teams finished 11-1 in the league. EA (13-6), which has won outright or shared eight straight Inter-Ac League titles, had toppled the Irish (18-2) by a single goal in their past five games – including a 13-12, triple overtime decision this year.
“We’ve never done this in our school’s history, this has been our goal for the entire year, so we accomplished our goal,” said Bandos. “They’re a great team, it was a fight the entire way, but we pulled it out in the end.”
Notre Dame led Episcopal, 11-1, before three late goals at the end of the first half gave Episcopal some momentum. The half ended 12-4.
The Churchwomen scored three goals in the second half in quick succession to narrow the Irish lead to five, but Notre Dame continued to score with regularity.
“We are so thrilled to achieve our team goal for the season today,” said ND coach Erin Cook. “We restarted our season the practice after our Great Valley game (18-7 loss on April 28 at Katie Samson).
“We came together, increased trust, teamwork and communication and this team has never looked back. I am so proud of our team effort today. I have always known we could play this way and the girls proved that to everyone today.”
Delaney Tuite had four goals and Carlianne McCabe had three goals and two assists for Notre Dame. Courtney Donovan, Katie Schneider and Nora McCallion each added one goal for Notre Dame. McCallion and Megan McGurl each had one assist. Tori Sudjian had eight saves.
“I’ve been waiting for this for the past three years and I just can’t wait for next year to beat them again,” said Tuite.
M.C. Curran led Episcopal with four goals. Taryn Gallagher had three goals and one assist. Lynda Michaels scored twice and had two assists.
“Every time against Notre Dame, we want to win… against a solid team like Notre Dame, they are going to capitalize on every single weakness,” said Episcopal head coach Amanda Vos Strache.
“They have a strong dynamic attack. We’ve known that and we were just not able to adjust. Apart from that, I’m glad that we can share the title with them. I think they are an excellent team… they played like they wanted it more today.”
Schuyler Aitken had one goal and an assist for Episcopal. Kristen Hinckley and Madison Craft each had an assist.
Episcopal goalie Lindsey Reder had nine saves.
Both teams will compete in the PAISAA (state Independent schools) Tournament next week.
“Episcopal is always strong, but I had the feeling it was Notre Dame’s time,” said Cook. “hese girls have worked so hard, they deserve this. We are looking forward to riding this high into playoffs next week.”
Notre Dame 18, Episcopal Academy 11
Notre Dame 12-6- 18
Episcopal Ac 4-7 -11
Notre Dame
Kristen Bandos 8g, 1a, 3DC
Delaney Tuite 4g
Carlianne McCabe 3g, 3a
Nora McCallion 1g, 1a
Katie Schneider 1g
Courtney Donovan 1g, 3 DC
Megan McGurk 1 assist
Goalie: Tori Sudjian 8 saves, 1 interception, 1 groundball
Megan McGurk 3GB, 1CT, 1DC
Episcopal Academy
MC Curran 4g
Taryn Gallagher 3g, 1a
Lynda Michales 2g, 2a
Schuyler Aitken 1g, 1a
Ali Singley 1g
Madison Craft 1a
Kristen Hinckley 1a
Lindsey Reder 9 saves
Karen Martelluci 3CT, 3 GB, 3 GB
