By Harry Chaykun
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/18/13
When the teams met earlier in the season, Springfield-Delco built a big halftime lead, then surrendered it to visiting Conestoga and dropped a Central League decision.
The Cougars took an early advantage and surrendered it to the Pioneers in the District quarterfinal round today at West Chester East. This time, Springfield had what it took to rebound from adversity, getting two late goals from Aly Gormley and two key saves down the stretch from Courtney O’Connell in earning a 12-10 decision over Conestoga.
The third-seeded Cougars (18-3), who have qualified for the state tournament after falling one win short last season, will take on Boyertown in a semifinal matchup at Henderson Tuesday night (7:30).
Megan Cameron’s goal with 13½ minutes to play gave sixth-seeded Conestoga (16-5) a 10-9 advantage, but Gormley brought Springfield back with a score 1:06 later, then she put the Cougars ahead to stay with 11:15 left. Emily Paulus closed out the scoring with 6:15 to go, then Springfield turned things over to O’Connell, who made two important saves before her teammates controlled the ball as the clock wound down.
“It was kind of exciting,” O’Connell said. “Better than the last time we played them. I was talking to myself a lot back there, and Emily Verica and Megan Tronco were helping keep me calmed down.
“We expected another tough game with them. I’m just glad the result came out better for us this time.”
Gormley finished with four goals and Alex Poplawski added three goals and one assist as well as some important draw controls for the Cougars. Emily Santana scored twice and Paulus had one goal and one assist.
“Sometimes other teams double some of our players,” Gormley said. “That leaves me open, and I know I have to take advantage of my opportunities. When they came back on us, we held together and kept our composure. It’s great to know that we can go to states this year.”
Springfield coach Keith Broome is happy to have Gormley this year, and delighted she will be back again next spring.
“She’s been working so hard to score,” Broome said. “And today she played beautifully. Courtney came up with some big saves, and it was a great win.”
Cameron led Conestoga with three goals. The Pioneers will play at Great Valley in a playback game Tuesday nigth (7:30), with the winner of that game earning the chance to play in the state tournament.
Springfield-Delco 12, Conestoga 10
Conestoga 4 6 – 10
Springfield-Delco 7 5 – 12
Conestoga: Megan Cameron 3G 1A, Lexi King 2G, Claire Jackson 2G 1A, Mackenzie Orr 1G 1A, Abby Lord 1G, Catie Smith 1G, Meghan McGillis 1A.
Springfield-Delco: Ali Gormley 4 G, Alex Poplawski 3G 1A, Emily Santana 2G,Emily Paulus 1G 1A, Taylor DeBernardi 1G, Kaste Ryan 1G.
Saves – Conestoga: Laney Stenson 4, Springfield: Courtney O’Connell 6.
