Holy Child Lacrosse

By Melanie Cane

The Gryphon Lacrosse team achieved two school firsts this season. They earned the No.1 slot in the NYSAIS — with a 13-5 regular season record — and went to win the championship. They dethroned Hackley, the No. 2 seed and reigning champion, in an action-packed final at Manhattanville on May 25. The score was 16-13.

Senior co-captain Charlotte Brosnan scored the first goal of the game from 8 meters. The Hornets answered with three consecutive goals. Lila Pfohl scored on a penalty shot after Emily Panarella forced a turnover on the transition. The Hornets answered that goal to make it 4-2. Madi Warne then ran the ball all the way downfield and passed to Ryan Delane who scored. Hackley scored again. Gryphon Olivia Bonner scored on a penalty shot and Brosnan tied it up on an assist from Martina Garate-Griot with .47 left on the clock. But in the final seconds of the half, the Hornets netted two quick goals to take a 7-5 lead into halftime.

Less than a minute into the second half, Pfohl scored off the draw. Hackley scored on their next possession. Bonner scored off the draw 10 seconds later, but the Hornets stung back quickly. With 17.56 left in the half, the Gryphons tied it at 9 on a shot from Brosnan. A minute later, Pfohl grabbed a loose ball and passed to Warne who scored to give the Gryphons their first lead since the first minute of the game. Emma McCuin followed up with a goal on a fast break.

With Holy Child up 11-9, Hackley called a time out.

When play resumed, Brosnan scored on a penalty shot, and Pfohl caught a pass by Warne in traffic to score. On the next play senior co-captain Charlotte Wertimer left the game with an injury and Hackley scored, making it a 13-10 game with 6.44 left to play. A minute later, Hackley scored again.

After Wertimer returned to the game, the Gryphons went on a tear. Brosnan, Pfohl, and McCuin all scored before Hackley netted two consecutive goals. At the buzzer, the Hornets had possession, but not the victory.

In this historic game, Brosnan scored six goals and Pfohl five. Sophomore goalie Symone Ryans played her best game of the season — making 15 saves and performing “acrobatics” to stop some of the shots. Panarella forced three turnovers and scooped up three ground balls.

Coach Catherine Conway attributed the girls’ success to a combination of factors. “We have a young team, but the seven freshman are very talented and they clicked and bonded with the veteran players early in the season. Also, the entire team committed to our game plan which was: get the first goal of the game, minimize turnovers, and win the draws.”

She praised co-captains Brosnan and Wertimer for providing great leadership. “In the first half, we were jittery and missed a lot of opportunities, but after my pep talk at halftime, the girls relaxed and brought it home.”

The captains hugging Coach Conway after the win

Charlotte Brosnan outrunning a Hackley defender

Charlotte Wertimer on the move

Lila Pfohl running the ball downfield

Madi Warne shoots and scores!

Goalie Symone Ryans getting help from Ryan Delane and Emma McGuin

The Gryphons displaying their championship plaques