Hartshorn, Allentown power past PDS
PRINCETON » It’s no secret the Allentown girls lacrosse team is on a mission and it’s going to have a lot of fun accomplishing that task.
The goal is the state title that eluded the Redbirds last season and based on the start to this season they are headed in the right direction.
Led by All-Trentonian player Marin Hartshorn the latest to fall was Princeton Day as Allentown took an 18-7 win over the Panthers in a non-league contest played in a light rain on the Panthers’ field Tuesday.
The Redbirds (3-0) used a six-goal spurt to finish the first half with a 9-2 advantage and after spotting the Panthers (0-2) three of the first four second half goals Allentown came roaring back to finish things off.
“We have all played together for a while and we knew once we got into preseason we knew it would be a fun season,” said Hartshorn. “But we had no idea the amount of skill and how fluid we’d be on the field.”
Allentown is certainly looking like a well-oiled machine.
Hartshorn led the way with five goals and a pair of assists. Julianna Golden added four goals, Morgan Vaccaro had a hat trick, Kaitlyn Bergan and Briana Samuels each had a pair with Jamie Crowe and Kylie Reed each getting one. Abby Howell was solid in the cage with 12 saves.
The Panthers saw Madison Mundenar, Bridget Kane and Kyra Hall each have two goals and Ellie Schofield one. Mundenar and Gwen Allen had assists.
“We have to figure things out,” said PDS’ Hall of Fame coach Jill Thomas. “We’ve played two great opponents (Hill and Allentown) and we have to remember it’s not where you start it’s where you finish. They are a great team and we are not a bad team. I know we’ll get on the right track.”
As the defending Prep B state champion, there is no doubt PDS will get things straightened out.
Hartshorn and Golden ignited the six-goal stretch to end the first half and one that showed the completeness of the Allentown lineup.
“We have been really impressed how well they have come together,” said Allentown Jen Garavente. “It’s giving us a lot of positivity and confidence going forward. When you are doing well, and the chemistry is right it really ties it all together to make it a very enjoyable season.”
It’s that closeness that brings it all together for the Rutgers-bound Hartshorn, one of the leaders of the Redbirds.
“It’s more them helping me learn then them helping me,” said Hartshorn, of her leadership role. “In soccer and basketball we did so much this year and I love this sport. It’s all has been awesome and so far, it’s been such a great season.”
Allentown (3-0) PDS (0-2) Goals —
Hartshorn 5, Golden 4, Vaccaro 3, Bergan 2, Samuels 2, Reed, Crowe (A). Mundenar 2, Kane 2, Hall 2, Schofield (PDS).
Hartshorn 2 (A). Mundenar, Allen (PDS). 33 (A). 19 (PDS).
Howell 12 (A). Madani 8 (PDS).
Assists — Shots — Saves — 9 9 — 18 2 5—7