Abington’s Allie Rothenberger looks to pass during the first quarter of their game against Crestwood.
Buck Norton-Jennings | For Abington Journal
Comets Sadie Gilbert looks to avoid oncoming Crestwood defensive pressure.
Buck Norton-Jennings | For Abington Journal
Comets goalie Sophia Santarsiero grabs a shot during their game against Crestwood.
Buck Norton-Jennings | For Abington Journal
Olivia Kim plays strong defense for the Comets during their April 29 game.
Buck Norton-Jennings | For Abington Journal
Abington Heights Morgan Davis takes a shot against Crestwood on April 29.
Buck Norton-Jennings | For Abington Journal
Classic’s Grace Kotchick faces off to start the game against Wyoming Seminary.
Buck Norton-Jennings | For Abington Journal
Scranton Prep’s McKenna Toolan looks to pass against Wyoming Seminary.
Buck Norton-Jennings | For Abington Journal
Classics goalie Skylin Kane makes a stop at net during their game against Wyoming Seminary.
Buck Norton-Jennings | For Abington Journal
April 29, Scranton Prep’s McKenna Toolan takes a shot on Wyoming Seminary.
Buck Norton-Jennings | For Abington Journal
Cecelia Haggerty plays strong defense for Scranton Prep during their April 29, game against Wyoming Seminary.
Buck Norton-Jennings | For Abington Journal
Freshman Morgan Davis scored 10 goals April 29 when Abington Heights turned a showdown at the top of Wyoming Valley Conference girls lacrosse into just its latest rout.
Abington Heights moved to the brink of its first WVC title when it handled defending champion Crestwood, the only conference team it lost to a year ago, 19-8.
Allie Rothenberger added three goals and Sadie Gilbert had three assists in the win.
Abington Heights scored 14 goals in the first half. It put consecutive goals together in less than a minute four different times, including scoring goals nine seconds apart during the second quarter.
The win over Crestwood was followed by an 11-1 victory at North Pocono May 1 to improve the team to 12-0 in the WVC and clinch no worse than a tie for first place. Only a game with 10th-place Holy Redeemer stands between the Lady Comets and a title.
Abington Heights, which is 15-0 overall, has beaten WVC opponents by a total of 183-36, an average of 15.3-3.0.
The closest any opponent came to Abington Heights all season is a pair of 12-5 games against Lake-Lehman and at Parkland in the non-league season opener.
“They just put a lot of hard work into getting prepared,” coach Becky Davis said. “They really all bought into what our goal is for the season.
“We try to put together a very high-paced defense and our offense is being dynamic out there, finding the back of the net and really doing their job. Most importantly, they’re having a good time. I’m fortunate to have a lot of young women who are dedicated.”
This season’s success continues to build upon the first district final appearance in 2023 and the first district title and state appearance last year.
“Our first goal is to win that second district championship,” coach Davis said, “but moving past that, I think we know we have the capability to move further in states this season and I think they have the confidence and are really looking forward to that opportunity.”
Davis, the coach’s daughter, leads the team with 54 goals and also has 17 assists.
Junior midfielder Allie Rothenberger, who is already committed to play National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I women’s lacrosse at La Salle College, has 48 goals and a team-high 24 assists.
Rothenberger reached 100 career goals early this season and senior attacker Sadie Gilbert arrived at that mark recently.
Gilbert is one of three seniors committed to play in college. She is headed to the University of Scranton while senior defender Leanna Waters plans to play at Lake Erie and senior goalie Sophia Santarsiero is committed to Keuka.
Juniors Rylee Yankow, a defender, and Brielle Crowell, a midfielder, are among the team’s other leaders.
“One of the nice things about this team is that in each game, we anywhere from six to seven people scoring,” coach Davis said.
The Lady Comets are positioned to be the top seed in their attempt to defend the District 2 Class 2A title.
Scranton Prep is 5-4 in the WVC and also contending for a District 2 Class 2A playoff berth with a 6-6 overall record.
