Under the blazing sunshine and 80-degree heat, Haven’s girls lacrosse team prepared for any competition in their way.
Some girls in white shirts and some in green shirts, warming up in teams. Playing offense and defense with each other aggressively, taking turns attempting shots at the net.
By 5:30 p.m., after an outfit change, the PIAA District 1 2A champions lined up to get their lacrosse balls and sticks tested, and the match began.
The girls varsity lacrosse team defeated the Archbishop Wood Vikings 18-4 in the first round of the PIAA 2A state playoffs at George L. King Field on Tuesday, May 3.
The first quarter started off slow for Haven, ending with a score of 3-1.
“We didn’t come out playing our best,” senior captain Kate Fox said. “There were a lot of drop balls, a lot of chaos going on in the field, but we regrouped. We took a few timeouts, and by the time the second quarter rolled around, we came out a lot stronger. I think it was a collective thing across the whole team.”
By the end of the second half, Haven was up 10-2. Their scoring streak continued into the second half, ending the third quarter leading 16-2.
“I think once they got their nerves out of their system, they did a really great job of passing,” head coach Pigeon Graham said. “Defense did a great job of stopping their crease roll, getting the ball down the field in transition, and then once the attackers started moving the ball quickly, they were able to see the open girl and get some shots off.”
The Dignazio sisters, freshman Tessa Dignazio and senior captain Annie Dignazio, contributed eight goals out of the total eighteen scored. Tessa described what it is like playing alongside her sister.
“It’s amazing. It’s unbelievable. I always dreamed about it. Watching her out on the field is just an inspiration and it really pushes me harder,” she said.
Fox also scored three goals and described the feeling and mentality with each score.
“I think by the time it comes to states, it’s just like, ‘goal, goal, goal,’ score as much as we can, as often as we can, and really working on everything we can,” Fox said. “Scoring is definitely always a relief. We get a minute to breathe, and it just feels really good to be able to contribute to my team and get those passes off and score those goals for my teammates.”
As the team maintains its undefeated streak on King Field and moves into the next round of state playoffs, there is much to look forward to.
“We cannot wait for the next three games,” senior attacker Helena Kaufman said. “Hopefully we win them all. We can’t wait. We’re ready, and just getting these wins on King Field, we’re undefeated on King Field, it’s such an amazing feeling. We love it. We’re super excited.”
The team will play against Crestwood High School at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, at Emmaus High School.
