Girls’ roundup: @AISowls drop heartbreaker to Bishop Ireton (VA); EA stays perfect with win over John Carroll

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/28/16

The Phillylacrosse.com No. 1 girls team, Agnes Irwin, kicked off the first of many games against teams ranked in the top 10 in the country today and came up short at two-time defending Virginia State Champions Bishop Ireton, 12-9.

The Owls (2-1, 1-0 Inter-Ac) went down 6-2 early but ran off four unanswered goals to tie the game 6-6 early in the second half. The balance of the game was a back-and-forth battle with two ties and three lead changes, until Bishop Ireton (4-0, ranked No. 14 in North America by TopLaxRecruits.com) opened up a two-goal lead on AIS (Ranked No. 4) a free position shot by Kelly Larkin. The Cardinals then ran out the clock and picked up an empty net goal for the game’s final goal.

“The first half was one of the best halves of lacrosse I have ever seen, I felt like I was watching a college game,” AIS Coach Jenny Duckenfield said. “This is the level of competition we have sought out and will continue to challenge ourselves with. Unfortunately, in the second half there were a number of calls that did not go our way and had a major impact on the outcome of the game. I am proud of our girls and the way they kept fighting. Regardless of the score, I feel like we were the better team today.”

Owls goalie freshman Camilla Gowen made five saves and picked up one ground ball in the loss. Kate White anchored the AIS midfield with five draw controls, a goal, and an assist. Laura Pansini had two goals and two assists, Kristin Burnetta had two goals and an assist to lead the AIS attack.

Agnes Irwin plays Holy Child (MD) on Tuesday, and third-ranked St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes, the 2015 Virginia state runner-up, on Wednesday.

Episcopal Academy 9, John Carroll (MD) 8

EA outscored JC, 5-2, in the second half and improved to 3-0 with the win over the IAAM power.

Katie Crager had three goals and three draw controls and Izzy Rohr added two goals and two groundballs while Sydney Gagnon posted eight saves for EA.

EA continues with spring break and plays Georgetown Visitation on the road today.