By LESLEY STEVENSON
Sports Writer
In a semifinal battle with a trip to Notre Dame Stadium at stake, No. 2 McGlinn narrowly edged out No. 6 Pangborn 13-12 on Sunday to secure a spot in the championship.
For the Shamrocks (6-1), this matchup was even more than a tournament challenge - it was a chance for revenge. In the regular season, McGlinn fell 13-0 to Pangborn (4-3). Shamrocks senior captain Emily Golden said her team knew exactly how much this victory meant to her team.
"We worked so hard," Golden said. "It just couldn't have ended any better. It was nice because we lost to them in the regular season, so we got a little redemption, and we're going to the Stadium."
McGlinn nearly experienced defeat a second time thanks to a late comeback by the Phoxes. With less than a minute to go in the game, the Shamrocks were forced to make a stand in the red zone to secure their close win.
From the McGlinn 18-yard line, Pangborn sophomore quarterback Caitlin Gargan launched what would have been a touchdown pass to junior receiver Molly Shawhan, but the ball fell into a mix of receivers and defenders attempting to come up with the catch. After a few seconds, McGlinn sophomore defensive lineman Laura Thomas emerged, clinging to the football, with the game-saving interception.
"The end was stressful to say the least," Golden said. "They are a really great team, and they wanted it just as bad as we did. It was about as close as it can get. I was definitely sweating at the end there, and there was just kind of a jump ball and Laura came out at the end of it."
Golden went 9-for-11 through the air, including two touchdown passes to senior receiver Katie Ritter. Golden also rushed for 84 yards.
In the end, extra points decided the battle. After a 10-yard touchdown run by Golden, the Shamrocks were able to convert the extra point, while Pangborn failed on both attempts.
Gargan led the Phoxes with 139 rushing yards and Pangborn's first touchdown. The second touchdown came early in the fourth quarter on a pass to senior receiver Kristin Ruekert.
Pangborn senior captain Colleen Bailey said the Phoxes did all they could to win.
"I feel like we gave it our best shot," Bailey said. "Obviously it didn't turn out the way we wanted it to, but I think we left it all on the field. There were a couple of plays that didn't go our way, a couple of extra points we didn't deliver on, but I'm proud of the team. I'm proud of the season we've had."
McGlinn will face No. 4 Walsh in the championship game at Notre Dame Stadium at 2 p.m. Sunday.
Contact Lesley Stevenson at lsteven1@nd.edu
Walsh 14, Pasquerilla West 13
By SARAH CONNORS
Sports Writer
No. 4 Walsh employed its dominant defense to upset No. 1 Pasquerilla West 14-13 on Sunday and advance to the championship game.
The Wild Women (6-2) will square off with defending champion No. 2 McGlinn at Notre Dame Stadium on Sunday.
"We are looking to win," Walsh senior quarterback Kat Leach said. "We are a huge threat to anyone we come against. I think we just proved that in this game. We are here to win and are looking forward to the Stadium."
Pasquerilla West (7-1) controlled the first half as Walsh threw three first-half interceptions and the Purple Weasels stormed out to a 13-0 lead.
Versatile Pasquerilla West sophomore quarterback Lauren Vidal led the early charge with both her passing and rushing ability. Vidal ran the ball in for both Pasquerilla West touchdowns.
But the Purple Weasels' luck changed dramatically toward the end of the first half.
With 30 seconds remaining before the intermission and on third down, Leach completed a touchdown pass to freshman receiver Erin Bishop to cut the Pasquerilla West lead to 13-7 heading into halftime.
Walsh carried the momentum from its last-minute touchdown into the second half.
Near the end of the third quarter, Walsh senior captain Lindy Navarre intercepted a pass and ran it back for a touchdown to give Walsh the lead.
From there, Walsh's defense - led by senior Alyssa Casill - held firm and was able to prevent the Purple Weasels from scoring for the rest of the game, as Walsh went on to win, advancing to the championship.
Leach said she was very impressed with the attitude and teamwork of the Wild Women.
"I personally struggled so the fact that I can rely on everyone to do what they need to do is wonderful," Leach said.
Walsh will battle McGlinn on Sunday in the championship at Notre Dame Stadium at 2 p.m.
Contact Sarah Connors at sconnor1@nd.edu
