Upper Moreland was a winner in Tuesday’s District 1 2A quarterfinals while Springfield Twp saw its successful season come to an end. (UM photos provided courtesy of UM lacrosse)
District 1 2A quarterfinals
#3 UPPER MORELAND 19, #11 POPE JOHN PAUL II 3
The magical postseason run continued for the Golden Bears, who opened up a 13-3 halftime lead on their way to the no-doubt-about-it win in Tuesday’s quarterfinals that guaranteed UM a spot in the state tournament.
“We started this season with a quote that can be seen on the back of our shirts: One Team One Dream,” UM coach Kim Frantz said. “We need to change the quote to One Team, Two Dreams as we have now accomplished two goals that we have talked about and worked towards for many years.
“This team has worked, and we now get to experience something the UM girls lacrosse program hasn’t experienced in many, many years – States, but first, we’ll take it one game at a time and focus on the district semifinals Thursday.”
Annalise Messina led a potent UM offense with six goals and three assists. Olivia Meakim had four goals, and Reagan Cummins added three goals and three assists. Isabel Leiter had two goals and one assist, and Willow Taylor contributed one goal and two assists. Alexa Marczak had one goal and one assist, and adding one goal each were Maggie Morrow and Avery Adamski. Jenna Piatieri contributed two assists, and Kellen Distel had one helper.
“Today we played as a unit, a team, a group of teenagers with a dream and motivation that in the beginning of the season seemed so far away and we are already here,” Frantz said.
“Everyone had a piece of that dream and contributed to that dream as a team. Jenna Piantier was key to many ground balls and transition down the field. Allison LaRocco came in and took draws, causing the draws to go in our favor after losing the first three. Avery Adamski was the speed transitioning the ball from defense to attack and not holding back when double and triple teamed. Annalise Messina led the team in draw controls and goals, and as always was a force in transition.
“Reagan Cummins scored her 100th goal today and, as always, was solid on attack. Willow Taylor was our speed in transition and played fantastic defense, especially on 8m free shots. Addi Hurley, as usual, came up with solid saves and was the voice on defense. Isabel Leiter and Olivia Meakim helped the team with their leadership and held the attack together on offense. Charlotte James was leading by example on defense and talking constantly.
“Cambrie Richmond is our steady force on defense, especially within the 8m. Kellen Distel is our solid base on defense, the glue to behind the cage play. Molly Meakim, Maggie Morrow, and Alexa Marczak are the sparks every team needs to keep the energy high and increase momentum. Every one of our subs, Eliza Feil, Maggie Brophy, Charlie Clement, Ella Gould, Sophia Perrine, Tierney Hogan, and Addi Gans, are the reason that we can play so hard in games – they force our team to be better.”
Upper Moreland (18-2, 10-1 SOL) will host #7 Mount St Joseph in a district semifinal game on Thursday at 7 p.m.
“We look forward to continuing this road and seeing what the future holds for this team,” Frantz said. “ONE TEAM, NOW THREE DREAMS.”
Pope John Paul II 3-0 3
Upper Moreland 13-6 19
#8 GWYNEDD MERCY 11, #1 SPRINGFIELD TWP 10
The top-seeded Spartans opened up an early 3-1 lead only to watch GMA come back and knot the score 4-4. Springfield Twp took a 7-6 lead into halftime in the back-and-forth contest.
“We honestly liked being in that position because it made us stay in the game,” coach Marissa Conover said. “We fought our hearts out and maintained the lead in the second half.
“GMA was able to tie it up and score in the last minute of the game for a final of 10-11. Absolute heartbreaker and could have gone either way.”
The Spartans’ coach lauded the play of her offense.
“Our attack played really well, including sisters Fiona and Frankie (Rizzo), staying calm and collected,” Conover said. “Fiona Rizzo had an amazing game with five goals and one assist.”
Emma Yoder added two goals, and Maddie McDevitt had one goal and one assist. Shannon Silvius and Stella Nelson each added one goal.
Tess Talbot was credited with six saves in goal.
Springfield Twp closed out its successful season with a 16-3 record. They were 10-1 in league play and captured a share of the SOL American Conference title.
Gwynedd Mercy 6-5 11
Springfield Twp 7-3 10
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