Slow Start Turns Into 15-6 Win for GV Girls Lacrosse

Although they jumped out to a 2-0 lead, things just weren't right for the Great Valley girls lacrosse team.

Head coach Joe Tornetta was burning on the sidelines. Players were directing traffic on the field like someone emptying a parking lot after a rock concert. There was no flow, no quickness to their plays.

However, before things got too much out of sorts, the ship's course was corrected and the Patriots eventually walked away with a 15-6 non-league victory Tuesday over visiting Boyertown. But not before some rocky first half moments.

Great Valley (2-0) started off on the right foot when Rachel Kalick zipped a shot past Bears goal Lindsay Clinton at 22:32 for a 10-point advantage. Despite the early tally, Tornetta was not happy with the way the Pats were moving up and down the field. At 17:19, junior Ali Karwoski scored the second goal of the day and Great Valley was up 2-0.

But the Bears were about to tighten things up drastically. Lauren Mengel beat Pats goalie Jenna Morris at 15:23 to make it 2-1. Then, before anyone could catch their breath, Kelly Furman intercepted a pass, ran toward goal and flipped it in to tie the game at 2-2 at 14:48.

Tornetta had seen enough. The veteran coach called a timeout and explained in very specific terms to his team that picking up their game wasn't an option but a necessity.

One thing that can be said for these Pats, they listen. Not only did they hit the clutch and upshift to a higher gear, they set the tone for the rest of the game right then and there.

Just a minute after Tornetta's sermon on the sidelines, Emily Scullin scored to give Great Valley the lead, 3-2. At 6:47, Sara McBride took a pass from Karwoski and beat Clinton, and it was 4-2. Boyertown scored at 5:31 on a shot from Gabby Genaurio (4-3) to close in once again.

Back came the Patriots as the first half came to a close.

First, the talented Karwoski whipped the ball home for a 5-3 advantage. Using a crushing defense as the clock was running down, McBride circled around the net, caught a perfect pass from Scullin and scored at 15.7 seconds to give Great Valley a 6-3 lead at halftime.

The Bears never recovered, and the Patriots just kept on scoring in the second half. Karwoski and Scullin stormed the nets for three second-half goals apiece and a total of five and four for the game, respectively. Kalick, McBride and Caitlin Kratzner chipped in with one apiece, giving Kalick two and McBride three on the afternoon.

Boyertown could only counter with two goals by Mengel and one from Rachel Engler in the second 25 minutes.

The goalie battle saw Morris finish with seven saves and Clinton stopping eight. On defense, Kim Hooves and Caroline Dodds had strong games for Great Valley.
 
Information on upcoming games

The Patriots hit the road for the first time Thursday when they visit Avon Grove for a 7 p.m. game and are home Saturday for a 10 a.m. meeting with Spring-Ford. Next week has Great Valley at home Tuesday at 3:45 p.m. with Unionville then visiting powerhouse Downingtown East on Thurday at 7 p.m.