Penn Wins In Overtime 15 – 14
PHILADELPHIA, PA. 5/7/2023 –
In a game well worthy of being for a championship the University of Pennsylvania wins the Ancient Eight women’s lacrosse title over Yale, when midfielder Anna Brandt bounced a low shot into the net for the game-winner with just 11.8 seconds showing on the clock in the first overtime. The Quakers complete a perfect Ivy League season sweeping the regular season, and taking both tournament contests at Penn Park. The team was thrilled to play for a title, and is even more excited to win it.
“Amazing, incredible, I love this feeling,” Brandt said. “I am so happy that I get to experience it with this team. We accomplished what we wanted, so it’s everything I could ask for.”
This is the fourth tournament trophy for Penn. They rally earned this one. The largest lead for either team was two goals, and the opponent answered when the lead grew. Neither the Quakers or the Bulldogs could sustain the momentum. The game would be decided by resilience.
“When it was tight in that third quarter, we knew we had to bring our A game all the way from the sideline down to Kelly (Van Hosen),” said Themelis. “We all had that sense of urgency, and we had one thing on our minds. We brought it all together and played with a lot of fight.”
Oh What An Ending
In third quarter The Red and Blue lead by 7 – 5 on a goal by Tournament MOP Maria Themelis. There would be seven ties and two lead changes. Yale took a 13 – 11 lead with 8:12 on the clock. Penn answered right back on goals by midfielder Bella Kehoe. Each team would score again as Themelis got goal number six on the day as 2:14 showed on the scoreboard clock.
The Eli got the ensuing draw control and waited for a last, good shot. Jenna Collignon, a sophomore attack got that shot. But the ball would hit the right post and bounce away with just 35 seconds to play in regulation.
“Oh, the post is my best friend, literally my best friend,” said Penn goalie Van Hosen. “I have a lot of best friends on this team, but the post is higher.”
The game went to overtime. Yale got the critical draw and set up the offense. Late in the segment Collignon was in position to win it, but Penn midfielder Aly Feeley made the huge defensive play of the game causing a turnover. Penn got the clear then Erika Chung found Brandt for the championship winning goal.
“They did everything they needed to do just to set me up for a great look,” said Brandt. “And I got it and and I just had to put it in the back of the cage. We did it, but I really owe it to my teammates who gave me the look that I wanted to see and the shot that I wanted to see.”
What The Number Say
The stats were close. The Bulldogs lead by two in shots (24 – 22), ground balls (17 – 15), and draw controls (17 – 15).
Collignon lead Yale with 4 goals while Sky Carrasquillo and Megan Kitagowa netted 3. Olivia Penoyer assisted 6 times.
For Penn Niki Miles scored 3 goals and assisted twice for a 5 point effort. Brandt had 2 scores.
The Turnaround Season Is Complete for the Red and Blue
Last season the Quakers did not get an Ivy League Tournament berth. This season they were dedicated to turning around. They did which is a major accomplishment, and validates what the players and coaches dedicated themselves to at the start of the season. And what the lessons given to the underclassmen.
“They really hoped to win the championship for the first time being here,” said Penn Coach Karin Corbett. “They were led tremendously, they listened to the alums and trusted us as coaches. And they are a really fun team to be around. I really enjoy coaching them, and they work hard every day.”
“We couldn’t have done this without all eight of us (the seniors) being our own different type of leader,” Van Hosen said. “I think (the underclassmen) see that too. It’s validating and I’m happy we did it.”
Up Next
For Penn it is the NCAA Tournament. The bracket will be announced later tonight.
Hurrah For The Red and Blue!
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Contact: Glenn@PhillyCollegeSports.com
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