A uniquely-talented (with several seniors heading to D1/Ivy League schools/athletic programs in the fall) and typically-spirited (Merion Mercy has been cheering on their field hockey teams for generations), MMA field hockey squad finished its season second in the state after a tough loss in the PIAA Class 2A Field Hockey Championship at the Zephyr Sports Complex in Whitehall, Pa.
Before this past weekend, Merion Mercy had only been to the PIAA State Finals once and that was in 2008. Having clinched the District title (Merion Mercy's first in field hockey) and battled to the finals, they faced an undefeated Donegal High School team. The two aggressive field hockey teams played with grit, and Donegal prevailed.
Prior to the finals, the Golden Bears (20-4-2) had yet to give up a goal in the PIAA tournament after blanking Gettysburg (8-0), Bonner Prendie (4-0) and Crestwood (1-0) to cap off an eight-game winning streak.
Before this past weekend, Merion Mercy had only been to the PIAA State Finals once and that was in 2008. Having clinched the District title (Merion Mercy's first in field hockey) and battled to the finals, they faced an undefeated Donegal High School team. The two aggressive field hockey teams played with grit, and Donegal prevailed.
Prior to the finals, the Golden Bears (20-4-2) had yet to give up a goal in the PIAA tournament after blanking Gettysburg (8-0), Bonner Prendie (4-0) and Crestwood (1-0) to cap off an eight-game winning streak.
Led by goalie Shannon Bedrossian, Merion Mercy entered the finals averaging just 1.18 goals allowed per game. Another standout defender, Cammy Toddy (last week's Philafieldhockey.com’s Defender of the Week), proved a key to Merion Mercy's shutouts. Toddy was lauded by MMA coach Gretta Ehret as the "backbone of the defense."
Despite their impressive season and skillful, seasoned starters, it wasn't enough to this year to claim the number one spot.
Despite their impressive season and skillful, seasoned starters, it wasn't enough to this year to claim the number one spot.
At the contest, MMA's goals were scored on Saturday by Kaely Kyle and Margo Carlin.
"It was a great run, and we are all very proud of our entire team," said Merion Mercy Athletic Director Barbara Clarke added, "The school was so invested in this team and their road to the finals. Every send off (and a very inspiring, student-led pep rally) created a lot of energy and enthusiasm on campus, lifting the entire student body to great heights and showcasing the tremendous pride we have in one another's accomplishments."