Girls' HS previews: S. Jersey's Bishop Eustace, Catholic League's Cardinal O'Hara, Ches-Mont's Downingtown East, Inter-Ac's Springside CHA

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/22/24

One of a series of scholastic previews for the 2024 season

Bishop Eustace Prep
League: Olympic Conference-National Division
Head Coach: Kat Burke Esposito ’99 – 15 seasons, 169-101, assistant coaches: Kim Gatelein, Kristin Biche ’16, Catie Sinclair
2023 Record: 9-10
2023 Team Honors: 5 players All_Conference, 1 All-SJ, 1-Academic All American
Opener date & opponent: April 4th vs. Seneca
Key returners: Jordan Roessler ’24 (Army) Anna Marquardt ’25 (Fairfield) Josette DeGour ’24 (William & Mary) Chloe Adams ’26 Aislynn Higgins ’25, Grace Donaghy ’25
Key newcomers: Jules Racobaldo ’25, Reghan Dundee ’26, Caroline King ’26, Mya Tinges ’26, Regan Bieberbach ’26
Coach’s Outlook for 2024: “Our team competes in the toughest conference in the state. Being the smallest school, competition at this level prepares us every year for a run at states.”

Cardinal O’Hara
League: Philadelphia Catholic League
Head coach: Jen Armstrong (2nd year at O’Hara, former assistant at Wilson HS (Reading). Assistants: Katie Ward (Springfield-Delco HS, Widener U lacrosse 2023 (all-MAC with 50 goals in 2023 / 100 career), Marie Noon (O’Hara HS, Drexel)
10-10
2023 honors: 2nd place Philadelphia Catholic League and District 12
Opener: March 25th against Little Flower HS

Key Returners: We return 8 seniors including defensive leader Lily Marquis coming back from an ACL injury during fall 2022 soccer, Greta Miller, Sam Connolly, Brigid Amoroso, Mia Travia, Monica Kamper, Grace Kalinchak, and All-PCL and All-DelCo attacker Honor Breen. Junior GK Marina Mersch leads in cage. Sophomores Natalie DiBlasi, Gianna Mariano and Abigail Adolph return on attack, junior Chiara Mersch returns on defense.

Key Newcomers: Fran Fazio, Penny Miller, Eva Marquis, Leah Hudak, Ella Cassidy, Gianna Iacone, Alyssa Zebuski, Sophia Gosseaux, Ashlyn Cenneno

Coach’s Outlook: “Our program grew from 22 total players my first year in 2023 to 45 on this year’s roster including 24 9th graders. Five projected starters are competing for the PIAA 6A state basketball championship and we are starting games on 3/25 after the PIAA girls basketball season ends. Our starting lineup is young and athletic, and we look to compete to take the next step in our program, win the PCL championship and secure the only PIAA state playoff berth given to District 12 for 2A.”

Downingtown East
League: Ches-Mont League
Head Coach: Kathryn Kropp (2nd season head, 5th season overall)
Assistants: Kelli McIntosh, Rob Ruch, Stacy Brennan, Siobhan Hontz
Last year’s record: 16-6-1 overall, PIAA State Qualifier
Opener: March 21 home vs Owen J Roberts
Athletes to watch: Seniors – Lexie Conte, Sofia Fanelli, Karyn Michaels, Ally Kennedy, Cameron Yard, Finley Mulhern
Juniors – Riley Marks, Jayne Michaels, Addy Mulhern
Coach’s outlook: “After graduating only two seniors last season, we are looking to build on what we started in 2023. Our players challenge and push each other daily in a focused effort to compete for the Ches-Mont title, make a run in Districts and return to the State Tournament.”

Springside Chestnut Hill Academy
League: Inter-Ac League
Head Coach: Noelle Cebron-Powell (7th Season), Assistant Coaches: Danielle Dundas, Melissa Felicetti & Sheila Goettner
2024 Captains: Madison Freeman; Cortney Neverosky; Alex Reilly; Sarah Scollin
2023 Record: 10-9-1 (4-1 goal losses); Nationally Recognized
Opener: 3/22 v Lawrenceville
Key Returners: Maddy Caliendo; Madison Freeman; Kass Magarity; Cortney Neverosky; Brae Powell; Alex Reilly; Sarah Scollin
Coach’s Outlook: “We have an incredible group of passionate seniors who have been at the core of our team for the past four years. They are eager to lead and mentor a talented young group. The passing of the torch starts now, and this team is ALL IN.”

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