Cardinal O'Hara Defends Its PCL Field Hockey Title With Hard-Fought 1-0 Win Over Archbishop Carroll
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ASTON, PA - Goalie Jen Ahearn registered several critical saves down the stretch and senior Hannah Nihill's goal with 26:15 remaining in the game proved to be the difference as No. 3 Cardinal O'Hara defended its Philadelphia Catholic Field Hockey title on Wednesday evening with a 1-0 victory over top-seed Archbishop Carroll on the campus of Neumann University.
The Lions avenged a 3-0 loss to Archbishop Carroll on Oct. 21 and advanced to the District XII AAA title game on Nov. 5 at Germantown Supersite. In addition, Bonner & Prendie will represent the PCL in the District XII AA championship game on Nov. 5 at Germantown Supersite.
After a scoreless first half that saw both teams compile numerous scoring chances, Nihill scored off a rebound following an acrobatic save by Patriots' Kimmy McGroary - one of several crucial stops for the senior goalkeeper on the evening - just 3:45 into the second half to give the Lions a 1-0 lead.
Senior Sam Swart was relentless in leading the Archbishop Carroll attack in its attempt to notch the equalizer, but Ahearn was up to the challenge. The Patriots nearly scored in the final 30 seconds of the game off a penalty corner, but the Cardinal O'Hara defense held firm for its 19th overall victory and 12th shutout win of the season.
2016 PCL Field Hockey Championship
Quarterfinals
No. 3 Cardinal O'Hara 6, No. 6 Archbishop Ryan 0
No. 5 St. Hubert's 3, No. 4 Archbishop Wood 2
Semifinals
No. 3 Cardinal O'Hara 2, No. 2 Bonner & Prendie 0
No. 1 Archbishop Carroll 6, No. 4 St. Hubert's 0
Finals
Cardinal O'Hara 1, Archbishop Carroll 0