



BETHLEHEM — When Abington Heights huddled after losing its first game of the season, coach Becky Davis made sure her Lady Comets didn’t lose sight of what they accomplished this season.
Olivia Kim seconded her coach’s sentiments before the huddle broke, specifically thanking the seniors for everything they did to help the team make history.
The District 2 champion’s season ended in the PIAA Class 2A girls lacrosse semifinals Tuesday with a 17-7 loss to District 1 champion Strath Haven at Bethlehem Area School District Stadium.
However, the Lady Comets (22-1) put together the greatest season by a District 2 lacrosse team, advancing further than any team from the region.
“I’m so proud. No words can encapsulate how I feel for this team,” Kim, a sophomore, said. “We have so many details to the team that make it what it is, and we’ve had so many practices, so many plays, it’s just intricate details that made up our team and the seniors have such a big part in that. And although I’m going to miss them, they hold so much space within my heart. We’ll keep working for them. We’ll come back next year for them.”
One of those seniors is Sadie Gilbert, who led the team with the three goals Tuesday and finished the state postseason with 12 goals in three games. Senior Gigi Butala assisted one of Gilbert’s goals Tuesday. Other seniors include goalie Sophia Santarsiero, who faced pressure all game from a relentless Strath Haven offense, Maura Pivirotto, LeAnna Waters and Hannah Pallman.
“(They meant) so much. The leadership roles that they fulfilled and how they directed our team is just incredible,” Kim said. “They really made the team what it was. They directed us when it was needed and when times were tough they were there. They were always there and they’re still going to be there even when they graduate.”
Strath Haven struck first as Blake Fairbanks scored off a pass from Weiler Graham to give the Panthers a 1-0 lead with 8:07 in the first quarter. Allie Rothenberger responded with a goal at 4:43 in the first.
Then, the Panthers scored four straight goals, including two from Kate Fox, one from Graham and one from Fairbanks. Morgan Davis made it 5-2 before the end of the quarter with a strong drive to the net.
That’s when Strath Haven took control. Santarsiero made two point-blank saves to start the second quarter, but Fairbanks scored off a rebound to make it 6-2. Gilbert cut the deficit back to three off an assist from Butala, but the Panthers scored the next four goals.
Again Santarsiero made two nice saves in a row, but Annie Dignazio scored off a penalty, Keira Mattai scored off a pass from Dignazio, Tessa Dignazio netted an unassisted goal and Fairbanks scored off a Fox pass with one second left in the half to give Strath Haven a 10-3 lead.
“Strath Haven is super well-balanced, a lot of lacrosse players there you can tell,” Becky Davis said. “They certainly came out to play hard and they executed their gameplan. I wish them the best of luck.”
Rothenberger cut from behind the net and scored to start the third quarter, but Strath Haven once again netted four straight goals from Mattai, Tessa Dignazio, Fox and Annie Dignazio to give the Panthers a 14-4 lead with 2:09 in the third quarter.
“I think it was definitely a very intense and serious game,” Fox said. “We ended up getting a running clock, but it never for a moment felt like that. I feel like the whole time we were fighting. Every time they had the ball, I was scared, I was worried, I feel like we had to perform 100% the whole time, but I’m glad that we were able to show up and show out. But they did play really well, as well.”
Gilbert added a goal in the third quarter, and Morgan Davis and Gilbert scored back-to-back goals to start the fourth quarter, but Fox and Paige Steere tacked on a goal apiece to seal the 17-7 win.
“I definitely want them to focus on the amazing season they had,” Becky Davis said. “They’re allowed to be a little sad and a little frustrated, but overall they’ve just had an incredible run. We talk about just being grateful to be here and working hard. District 2 isn’t known for its lacrosse, but we got through two rounds of states. I’m just so proud of them overall.”
Rothenberger, the Wyoming Valley Conference Coaches’ Player of the Year, and Morgan Davis, a first-team all-star, each finished with two goals for the Lady Comets. Both stars are among seven starters who will return next season.
“I’m so excited. No words can capture that,” Kim said. “We have so much talent on this team, and the great thing about our team is the diversity of it. How many different players come together to make it what it is and the goals that are scored, they’re not just by one person. Every single person puts a part into that play. And all the seniors that are graduating, they’re awesome. But we have so much talent that the roles will be filled. Even though it won’t be the same, the roles will be filled, and I’m super excited.”
Fox and Fairbanks had four goals apiece to lead Strath Haven, who will face District 1 runner-up Villa Maria in the state final Saturday at 10 a.m. at Penn State University’s Panzer Stadium.
“I am so proud,” Fox said. “This has been such a long and intense season and we’ve grown so much as a team and getting to know the younger players through our trips together, long bus rides, spring break, staying over together — we were at the beach — and just getting that close and now seeing all of them perform so well and it all coming together to this game today was just unreal and amazing.”