’Stoga shows its dominance in state title win over Manheim

WEST GOSHEN » Dominance has its rewards. No, its not a tag line for a credit card commercial, but it could be the slogan for the 2022 Conestoga girls lacrosse season.

The Pioneers came into Saturday morning’s PIAA Class 3A championship game with Manheim Township winners of 18 straight and 24 of 25 games. They had beaten just about everyone District 1 had to offer, so it was a challenge for the District 3 champion, which has scored 55 goals in its three state games.

The Pioneers proved move than able. They scored the game’s first five goals en route to a 15-7 victory. The title is the school’s first since beating Radnor in 2016. The Blue Streaks (19-2) fell in the championship game for the third time in five years.

“I’m definitely super excited,” said Conestoga star Kate Galica. “I’m so glad we got the win. We worked so hard and we won the Central League and the districts, so its great to win states to get all three.”

“A lot of emotions, happy tears, sad tears that our seniors are leaving,” added Kiki Liebezeit. “I’m just glad I’m going out with these people and going out with a win.”

Chloe Brown, who scored the game-winning goal in the semifinal contest against Garnet Valley, won the opening draw control and sent Conestoga on its way by getting the opening marker just a minute into the game.

Brown turned provider minutes later as she assisted on a goal by Ellie Wisch. Then, in short order, Melissa Hewitt, Galica and Liebezeit dented the net to make it a 5-0 lead with 13:35 left.

After being held to a lone assist against Garnet, Galica was eager to exert her influence on the score sheet.

“I was not too happy with my show,” she said. “I was definitely hungry for a championship. Last year, we lost in the semis. And in field hockey as well. I was definitely hungry for a state championship as were we all.”

Alyssa Dotter halted the run, but it was only temporary as the Pioneers went on a four-goal spurt to build the advantage to 9-1.

Manheim scored twice in the latter part of the half to cut the defict to 9-3. But, Wisch scored after Galica took off on 40-yard sprint down the field as time was winding down to go up 10-3 at the break.

Wisch started the second half with her fourth goal of the game to extend the lead to eight.