Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/31/21
Staff Report
Dani Falcone scored her sixth goal of the game in overtime to lift Academy of Notre Dame to a thrilling 13-12 victory over visiting Agnes Irwin today in an Inter-Ac League contest.
Agnes Irwin, ranked No. 5 by Phillylacrosse.com, tied it at 12-12 with a minute and a half left in regulation before Falcone – who also had eight draw controls and two assists – won it off a long rush from midfield. It was fourth straight time Notre Dame has beaten Agnes Irwin, including the state independent schools final in 2019.
“After (a) draw, the ball went out of bounds off AIS,” said Falcone. “I was awarded possession at half field and I pretty much ran straight down to the goal and had a no-angle leftie shot that somehow went in!
“This was definitely such a rewarding win for us. Coming off the 2019 season (and) beating them three times, once winning us PIASSAs, it was amazing to be able to beat AIS again. We really played as team and found a way to win, which makes it even a better win!
Notre Dame, ranked No. 13, evened its record to 1-1 (1-0 league).”
Also for the Irish (1-2 overall, 1-1 league), sophomore Katie Onderdonk had four goals and four draw controls and Ava Bleckley added two goals and four draws. Cat Leary had a goal and two assists and Quinn Sullivan posted 10 saves.
Sydney Wilson led Agnes Irwin with four goals and two assists and Cate Parsells scored three goals while Alex Lesko added two goals and Brynn Ammerman had a goal and two assists. Jordan Healy posted 10 saves.
“It was a great overall team effort,” said Notre Dame coach Austin Brown. “We really came together and helped each other on both sides of the ball.
“Our entire team showed their heart for our first win of the season. Dani was on fire the entire game and we knew going into OT we wanted her to have the ball in her stick and be able to finish on her shot like she had been doing the entire game.”
Falcone noted that Notre Dame is relying on many young players and is enduring the loss to senior standout Hannna Bodner (Marquette signee lost for the year with a knee injury).
“Losing Hanna was definitely a huge hit to our team and a huge hit to me. We have been playing together since 6th grade and have always worked so well together,” said Falcone. “While it’s quite upsetting to not have her on the field, she always is there on the sidelines to offer me advice and get my head back in the game when I need it.
“I could not be more grateful for that. Without her has definitely left a big hole in the offense, but we have worked as a team to fill it. I love being able to put up points for my team, but we definitely miss Hanna out there.
“We are definitely a young team with a lot of work to still put in. I think the more we are able to work as a team, communicate, support each other, and give 110% all the time we will be successful. We have been lucky enough to have a pretty much normal season during COVID and I’m sure we will continue to improve more and more!!”
Academy of Notre Dame 13, Agnes Irwin 12, OT
Notre Dame 9-3-1- 13
Agnes Irwin 7-5-0- 12
Notre Dame
Dani Falcone 6g, 2a, 8dc
Ava Bleckley 2g, 4dc
Katie Onderdonk 4g, 4dc
Cat Leary 1g, 2a
Quinn Sullivan 10 saves
Agnes Irwin
Brynn Ammerman 1 g, 2a
Alex Lesko 2g
Sydney Wilson 4g, 2a
Cate Parsells 3g
Blair Fox 1g
Quinn Wollard 1g
Jordan Healy 10 saves
Paige Crowther 2 saves
