The varsity girls' lacrosse team is the winner of this year's Inter-Ac Championship- for the third consecutive year.
The team ends the season with an impressive 18-1 record. "This is the 20th Inter-Ac title for EA girls' lacrosse," said Head Coach Josie Tomaino. "I am so proud."
The team secured the Inter-Ac Championship, outright, after beating Germantown Academy (16-10) on Friday, May 10.
"Our program slogan this season is ALL IN and it has framed how we approach everything on and off the field," explained Coach Tomaino. "We committed to doing the little things- fighting back in the ride, battling for ground balls, playing team defense, setting picks, and working hard off-ball for each other."
The team is currently ranked #1 by PhillyLacrosse.com.
"I am really proud of the way the girls have bought into the team-first, 'we not me' mindset," said Coach Tomaino. "The success of our team is a product of each person's investment into our season game plan."
In what some considered the team's biggest game of the season, the girls beat rival Agnes Irwin (12-11) on Tuesday, April 30 for the second time this season. It was a battle the team will not forget anytime soon. After beating AIS earlier in the season, the owls traveled to EA- ready for a rematch.
On the sidelines, the team welcomed a special fan, 2nd grader Mary Andersen. On Saturday, April 27 some members of the team attended the unveiling on a new Lilly Pulitzer fabric print designed by Mary, called Magic Mary, through the Make-A-Wish-Foundation. The team invited Mary to their biggest game of the season after she told them that she plays and loves lacrosse. Her magic appeared to work.
"Playing Agnes Irwin is very special to us because we are usually competing for the Inter-Ac title, and it's always a very, very competitive game," explained varsity head coach Josie Tomaino.
AIS came out full force. Fourteen minutes into the first half EA trailed 3-7. After an EA timeout, Devon Whitaker '20 fired in back-to-back goals, helping to shift the momentum. By the half, EA had taken the lead, 8-7.
EA tallied several goals throughout the second half, but AIS continued to battle. With the score tied at 11-11 with 21 seconds left in the game, Caroline Burt '20 shot in the winning goal. The EA sidelines erupted with Mary in the center of the celebration.
The team told Mary she was their good luck charm. Walking back to meet her mother after the game, Mary said, "I love lacrosse and when I get older I'm going to play lacrosse for EA!" She was also awarded the team's special Stick of the Week accolade after the game.
"The year was extra special," said coach Tomaino. "Having Mary on our sidelines, cheering on the team, was such an inspiration to all of the players and coaches. I really believe that Mary shared her strength with our team that day."
Click here for full coverage, including player interviews from Philly Sports Digest.
Senior co-captains Olivia Dirks and Isabelle Rohr hit significant milestones during the Katie Sansom Festival game against Owen J. Roberts (16-12) on Saturday, April 27. Olivia snagged her 500th draw control while Izzy scooped up her 200th career draw control.
