The #1-seeded varsity girls lacrosse team defeated the #4-seeded Mount Saint Joseph Magic 14-2 on Thursday, May 22, at George L. King Field.
The Panthers came through with a strong start, ending the first quarter at 4-0 for Haven. The anticipation was high in the air, as Haven had already played Magic at the beginning of the season, winning 13-9.
“It was kind of back and forth the whole time, so we’ve just kind of been anticipating this game for a really long time,” senior captain Kate Fox said.
Fox pulled through with three more goals, making it 7-0 for Haven at the end of the second quarter.
Magic received multiple penalties for aggressive behavior, but that did not stop Fox from scoring seven goals by the end of the game.
“Our coaches help us a lot with our spatial awareness, like when a girl is playing us on a certain side, we kind of go the other way,” Fox said. “And just the repetition of practicing those situations really helped me and players like Annie and Tessa Dignazio to be aware when to go and what side to attack from.”
The game ended 14-2 for the Panthers after Magic scored two points in the fourth quarter. After winning against Interboro and Pottsgrove, the Panthers’ streak continues.
“We haven’t had the most competitive games, the last two weeks,” Fox said. “So coming out to this, beating them, was just the best feeling ever. I think we really put our hearts on the line, everything on the line, our bodies on the line.”
Senior Maryella Gill believes team chemistry is one of their greatest strengths.
“As the season has moved on, we have gelled so well together. Our passes are so smooth, it’s almost telepathic. Our defense, we’re communicating more and, all in all, we’re just working so well,” she said.
The Panthers will be playing #3-seeded Villa Maria Academy on May 28 at a location to be determined for the PIAA District 1 Finals.
“[I’m] definitely nervous. I’ve never played [Villa Maria] before, but I know it’s going to be a good game, and I know we’re going to want it more, and we’re going to fight till the end,” Fox said.
