The girls' varsity lacrosse team is the 2017 Inter-Ac Champion. The team is undefeated in league play (12-0) with an overall record of 19-4.
The team last won the Inter-Ac in 2014 when it shared the title with the Agnes Irwin School. This year's three seniors were freshman at the time.
"It is a special feeling to win an Inter-Ac title, but being able to win it outright this year and to win it with fellow seniors Rachel Yackel and Taylor Lucey and an amazing group of girls made it even more special," said co-captain Sarah Keffer.
"I think our senior leadership was critical to our success as a team," shared Coach Josie Ferri Tomaino. "Their selflessness, commitment to the program and work ethic on display every day provided valuable direction for the team."
The team, led by captains Sarah Keffer and Taylor Lucey, had its sights set on the Inter-Ac Championship from the first day of practice. "We made it clear from day one that our goal was to win the Inter-Ac outright and that everything we do is in pursuit of this goal," shared Sarah. "It was not hard to motivate our teammates because everyone bought into our vision. Everyone was motivated by how close we had come to winning the past two years and was driven to bring the title back to EA."During season play, the team beat rival AIS twice. The first game went to triple overtime. "We were down for parts of the game, but no one ever gave up. I think that game showed us what we are capable of and set us on the right path for the rest of the season," said Sarah.
The second game against AIS was won within the final six seconds. "I was proud of how our team stayed positive in the face of every challenge. The ability to embrace these challenges together is something we focused on from day one," said Coach Ferri Tomaino. "We had total buy-in from every member of the team and, as a result, we depended upon every player to be productive when they stepped onto the field."
"The highlight of my season was beating AIS the second time," said co-captain Taylor Lucey. "For several years we have won one game and they have won the other. So to win them both was a huge step in the right direction for us this year."
"I am so excited for this team!" shared Athletic Director Gina Buggy. "From the cold and rainy days of winter until now, these girls have worked hard, staying focused on their goals, and it paid off. This Inter-Ac win is huge for EA's lacrosse program and for all of the coaches and players. I couldn't be happier for all of them."
"We aren't stopping yet! We are ready to take on the PAISAA tournament and excited for the challenge," said Sarah.
"As the end of the season approaches, we are still looking to improve in all areas. We will continue to focus on 'the little things' within our control and work towards accomplishing the rest of our goals. It is certainly an exciting time of year and we are definitely enjoying our time together as a team," said Coach Ferri Tomaino.
"Learn from what we did or did not do and make next year even better and have fun," shared Taylor. "Be friends with everyone on the team. It makes the atmosphere so much more open."
EA beat Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (16-8) in their first round of play in the Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association tournament on Monday, May 22.