Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/9/23
From Staff Report
Upper Moreland’s Annalise Messina knew nothing was stopping her Golden Bears as they headed into overtime in Monday’s key Suburban One American game at Upper Dublin – even down a man.
“It was an amazing game that the whole team won together,” said Messina, a sophomore. “I think that being man down was our energizer going into overtime. Upper Dublin is a really good team and we knew that it was going to come down to the last second!”
Olivia Meakim (two goals) scored in overtime to give the Bears a clutch 10-9 win over the Cardinals, forcing a three-way tie atop the conference standings. Upper Moreland, Upper Dublin and Springfield-Montco – a 9-8 overtime winner of Abington – are all 9-1 with one game to play.
The Bears (15-2) can clinch at least a tie for their first conference title ever by defeating winless William Tennent tomorrow.
UD took a 9-8 lead with 1:49 left in regulation, but Reagan Cummins converted an 8-meter shot with 25 seconds left to force OT. Allison LaRocco won the overtime draw and the Bears set up Meakim for the win.
“We were practicing hard leading up to this game and when we went man down we knew that we needed to rely on what we practiced,” said Messina, who had five goals and an assist. “In the team huddle we never once thought that we were going to lose and we all held our heads high and were prepared to give it our all for the final minutes!”
Annalise Messina’s five goals and one assist led UM while Meakim had two goals. Reagan Cummins had one goal and two assists, and Isabel Leiter had one goal and one assist.
Upper Moreland coach Kim Frantz lauded the play of her defense – Cambrie Richmond, Avary Adamski, Kellen Distel, Charlotte James – and goalie Addi Hurley (11 saves).
For the Cardinals, Anna DiMartile (five draw controls, three caused turnovers) and Paige Dinkel (three draws) each had four goals.
Upper Dublin (13-4) will host Cheltenham Wednesday, and Springfield hosts Wissahickon.
“Every single girl on the team played with so much heart and that’s honestly what gave us that extra push!” said Messina.
Two years ago, the Bears were 7-13 and last year the took a step up to finish 14-5 and in third place in the conference. Now they are on the brink of a co-championship.
“The key to the team’s success has definitely been our chemistry on the field,” said Messina. “We know that if we trust each other and celebrate the little things, we will win.”
Upper Moreland 10, Upper Dublin 9, OT
Upper Dublin 3-6-0 9
Upper Moreland 4-5-1 10
Upper Moreland
Annalise Messina 5 goals 1 assist
Olivia Meakim 2 goals (GW)
Isabel Leiter 1 goal and 1 assist
Jenna Piatieri 1 goal
Reagan Cummins 1 goal 2 assist
Willow Taylor 1 assist
Addi Hurley 11 Saves
Defense led by Cambrie Richmond, Avary Adamski, Kellen Distel, Charlotte James
Upper Dublin
Anna DiMartile 4g, 1a
Paige Dinkel 4g
Ava Brennan 1g
Alli Gay 1a
Julie Zlotnikoff 1a
