West Chester East Walks Into Tough Foe

It’s a game West Chester East’s girls’ lacrosse team certainly would love to have back. But it’s something the Vikings can’t change. At least not for the foreseeable future. West Chester East didn’t exactly bring its best, and it’s something the Vikings needed in facing a super team like Harriton on Saturday in a nonleague game.

The Vikings scored the first goal of a game that promised to be challenging for both teams. Then, Harriton scored the next nine and took early control, never giving West Chester East a chance to climb back, as Harriton rolled to a 21-10 victory.

The Vikings dropped to 4-2 overall with the loss, while Harriton is beginning to surface as not only one of the top teams in the area, but in the state in improving to 7-0 overall.

West Chester East received three goals each from Morgan Gallagher and Julia Falcone, getting one goal apiece from Taylor Clark, Hailey Tomlinson, Meryle Leathers and Shavon Burke. Harriton was led by Carli Sukonik, who led all scorers with a game-high nine goals, Jess Schwab’s five goals and Caleigh Foust’s four goals.

For the Vikings, it came down to draw control and more efficient passing, resulting in a number of costly West Chester East turnovers in a game where every possession was important.

“That was it, our draw control and not connecting our passes, that’s what killed us,” Vikings’ coach Christa Somits said. “We didn’t execute the way we’re capable of playing. For me personally, this game allowed us to see some areas we have to touch on, it opened our eyes that we have some holes to fill. We knew Harriton had height and speed, and they connected well in transition. Don’t get me wrong, Harriton is good, very good, but we didn’t think going into this that we would be beaten that badly.”

Somits did make sure to say she was pleased with the way her defense pressured the ball, and they caused some turnovers. Gallagher and Falcone also stood out.

“We started slow and they beat us off the draw,” said Gallagher, who will attend Old Dominion for lacrosse. We didn’t have the fire today like we’ve had for most games this year. We played [Harriton] aggressively, we weren’t ready mentally. But I do want another shot at Harriton.”

Falcone didn’t feel there was much difference between the two teams.

“We definitely knew what we were getting into,” said Falcone, who’s committed to St. Joseph’s for lacrosse. “We didn’t play our best and didn’t take advantage of opportunities when we had them. We’ll be back. I do hope we see them again.”