After a rainy morning of final exams for underclassmen, the Panthers walked onto the field, hoping to book their ticket to State College. The Panthers overcame an intense battle with fouls and aggressive play, achieving their dreams of qualifying for the state final.
The girls varsity lacrosse team defeated the Abington Heights Comets 17-7 in the PIAA 2A state semifinal on Tuesday, June 10 at Liberty High School in Bethlehem, PA.
After a slow start, the Panthers pulled through, ending the first quarter 5-2.
“I think [we] did a really good job on possession, specifically, ground balls were really good,” senior defender Kaia Smith said.
Despite the Comets level of intensity, the Panthers fought hard through the very aggressive and physical defense. The Panthers remained composed through the second quarter, ending the half 10-3.
“We just treat every game like we’re down two, and we never give up,” senior captain Annie Dignazio said. “If we’re in a really tight situation, we know how to play. So, keeping that mentality is what we focused on [in] this game.”
The Panthers went on to seal the deal in the third quarter, leading by ten at the end. After a very back and forth fourth quarter, the Panthers were named state finalists.
“I’m super excited,” freshman attacker Blake Fairbanks said. “We all did so good, and everyone played an amazing part in it.”
Six of the Panthers were part of the state champion girls soccer team in the fall, making this win their second trip to a state championship game.
“We better win the second one,” Dignazio said. “That’s all I have to say. I’m very excited, and to do it with my best friends, my sister [freshman Tessa Dignazio], and my teammates, it’s just unreal.”
In addition to the win, sophomore goalkeeper Ellie Yancey reached a milestone, recording 100 career saves.
The Panthers will travel to State College to face off against Villa Maria Academy on Saturday, June 14, at 10 a.m. in the PIAA 2A state championship game. The Panthers previously defeated Villa Maria Academy in the PIAA District One championship game.
Isaac Lothrop ’26 contributed reporting.
