Whitaker's last-second heroics lifts Episcopal girls' lacrosse over Agnes Irwin
It was the second time this season that the freshman scored the winner against the Owls.
It wouldn't be Episcopal Academy vs. Agnes Irwin if it wasn't a tightly contested lacrosse game with a riveting finish.
Tuesday afternoon's Inter-Ac rematch of rivals followed a familiar script. When the teams met in early April, Episcopal freshman Devon Whitaker netted the game-winning goal in triple-overtime.
With about six seconds left in regulation Tuesday, Whitaker drove from behind the net and nailed the dramatic game-winner with just two seconds left.
The 10-9, come-from-behind victory was Episcopal's 12th win in a row.
"Well, when there is six seconds left there's not much you can do. So I just drove and then shot," Whitaker said.
After junior attacker Katie Crager tied the game at 9 with 1 minute, 57 seconds left, sophomore Olivia Dirks won the ensuing draw and gave Episcopal possession. A lengthy filibuster followed as Episcopal was intent on taking the last shot.
Junior attacker Ally Marino eventually fired a tad wide, but Whitaker was in position behind the net, and the ball was awarded to Episcopal (13-4).
Whitaker then drove the ball from behind the right side of the net, emerged on the left, and flung an off-balance shot that went over the goaltender's shoulder.
"Everyone cleared through, which was really helpful," said Whitaker, who finished with one goal. "The coaches were telling me to drive, but that's all I could do in that moment.
"My teammates are very, very supportive. We all encouraged each other, and we had trust because our team is very" close.
Agnes Irwin was led by four momentum-seizing goals by freshman Natalie Pansini. After the Owls (12-3) took a 5-4 edge into intermission, Pansini scored their next three goals. Her first goal broke a 4-4 tie before the half.
Bolstered by the excellent goaltending of Hailey Andress, who had nine saves, Agnes Irwin appeared to be in control. Pansini's second-half spurt yielded a 9-6 advantage with 7:08 left after Emily Wills added her only goal.
There was no panic on the Episcopal sideline, however, after a late timeout.
Dirks, who finished with three goals, attributed some of that poise to the team's seniors: Sarah Keffer, Rachel Yackel, and Taylor Lucey.
"We really just all work together," Dirks said.
Crager finished with three goals, while Lucey added two. Episcopal freshman goaltender Helena Morrison stopped four shots.
Episcopal Academy 4 6 - 10
Agnes Irwin 5 4 - 9
EA: Olivia Dirks 3, Katie Crager 3, Taylor Lucey 2, Olivia Tuma, Devon Whitaker.
AI: Natalie Pansini 4, Lila Barker 2, Alex Hark, Maria Pansini, Emily Wills.
Saves: EA-Helena Morrison 4; AI-Hailey Andress 9.
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