Lax: Phantoms Started Strong in District Playoff, But Couldn't Close the Deal

BRYN MAWR-Riding the momentum of a six-game win steak, Harriton had everything going its way as the Rams took the turf in Monday’s PIAA District One playoff battle with Phoenixville.

What head coach George Dick and his Central League co-champion squad did not anticipate was a Phantoms team that was not in awe of the Rams gawdy 16-2 record heading into the tilt.

In the early going Phoenixville (11-8 overall) kept the Rams at bay, tying the score at one with 22:54 left in the first half, prompting coach Dick to immediately change up defensives schemes, adjusting to the Phantoms pressure in the Harriton defensive zone.    

“They came out and actually played us tight for the opening minutes,” said sophomore Caleigh Foust (5 goals, 2 assists). “We switched defenses to one where we double up on any one that has the ball up top. That helps us put more pressure on the ball and force them into moving it before they are ready, getting them to throw it away.”

Led by back-to-back goals by senior Carli Sukonik, who found the twine six times on the day, the Rams crept out to a 4-1 lead with a little more than 18 minutes left before the break.

Following two tallies by Phoenixville junior Marlee Farbstein, which cut the lead to 5-3 with 13:01 left in the first half, coach Dick promptly called a time out to break the upstart visitor’s rhythm.

“I think we came in knowing that they were 11-7 or something like that, and our girls thought we could just take the field and win the game,” said Dick. “We just talked at the timeout about focus and playing our game, and I think our girls realized they had to kick it up. I was very proud of the way they responded.”

Utilizing their team speed, which has been a strength all season, the Rams possession game was too much for the Phantoms' defense to adapt to, as Sukonik scored five goals to compliment four first-half goals by Foust as well as single tallies from Ally McLaughlin, Laura Walzer and Jessica Schwab to carry a 13-5 bulge into the intermission.

“Wow, they are really fast,” said Phantoms' goaltender and Old Dominion committee Karen Hayde. “We weren’t staying tight on their cutters. Their speed really is what pushed them past us. These girls were so skilled, they realized that I was weaker low right and started shooting there and I was done. They were just a lot faster than we are.”

“It’s not the way I wanted to end the season,” said Britney Rohall, who led the Phantoms with four points. “But it’s the first time we have made districts since my freshman year. I am going to miss these girls and especially [coach Jen] Forresta. This was just a very fast, very good team we played today. Karen [Hayde] played great in net like always. She is such a great goalie.”

“Their goaltender played great,” said Dick. “You don’t get many stoppages in lacrosse to discuss strategy, but our girls realized she was a lefty, which you don’t see often, and they helped each other adjust to her and we got it going offensively.” 

In the second half the Rams controlled the play, utilizing their transition game to cycle the ball around the Phantoms' net, setting plays to have open shots from the lane, which led to a 9-1 edge in the second half, advancing Harriton to the second round on Thursday as they host an all too familiar foe in Haverford, who squeaked out a 14-13 win over Henderson. 

“I am very proud of the way the girls battled early,” said Phantoms head coach Jen Forresta. “We have some young girls who got some time this year. We definitely have pieces in place to grow from here next season.”

For Harriton, senior Jackie Marshall was solid in net recording six saves to complement an outstanding defensive effort by seniors Morgan McKenzie and Megan Rubenstein to limit the Phantoms' scoring chances and close out the game.

“Lacrosse is a game of speed,” added Dick. “If we stick to our game plan and play like we are capable of, our speed always gives us a chance to win. If you play in the Central League you can either step up your program or get left behind. I am very proud of how far our girls have come and we are going to keep working to improve our game.” 

Phoenixville            5            1            -6

Harriton            13            9            -22

First half

23:56   H            Sukonik

22:54   P            Rohall   from Lombardi

20:26   H            Sukonik  from Foust

19:12   H            Schwab from Hutado

18:56   H            Foust from Walzer

17:16   P            Farbstein from Rohall

13:25   H            Sukonik  8M shot

13:01   P            Farbstein

12:29   H            Sukonik from Foust

10:32   H            Foust

 8:50    H            Foust from Schwab

 8:33    H            Sukonik from Walzer

 5:06    H            Walzer 8M shot

 3:46    P            Rohall from Kobilka

 2:51    H            Pisani from Schwab

 1:55    H            McLaughlin from Melvin

 1:32    P            Rohall from Kobilka

 1:20    H            Foust

Second half

23:38   H            Pisani

22:53   H            Walzer

20:50   H            Walzer from Pisani

19:19   H            Schwab from Hutado

17:43   H            Foust

16:41   H            Pisani from Melvin

12:31   H            Sukonik

11:10   P            McEarlean

  9:03   H            Schwab from Foust

  5:26   H            Pisani

Goaltending-

P- Karen Hayde   26 saves

H- Jackie Marshall  6 saves

H- Melina Avery 5 saves