Roaring finish for Lions

The struggle to create an indoor soccer dynasty in the IAAM  A Conference continues.

Prior to Thursday night’s showdown between Maryvale Prep and John Carroll, the two teams had alternated hoisting championship trophies each of the past four seasons.

And with John Carroll capturing the title in 2010, the Lions were more than willing to keep that tradition alive in their fifth meeting.

With a roster comprised of six, four-year seniors that were playing in their third championship game, Maryvale dominated the Patriots, 9-2, at Clarence “Du” Burns Arena in Canton.  The victory completed an undefeated season for the Lions (10-0).

“We call ourselves the Original Six and we’ve been working all year for this. Since we have gotten this far undefeated we decided ‘Why not just go for it all?,’ said Lions senior Lauren Federline.  “It means a lot to us to finish out our high school career with an undefeated, championship season.”

Federline had four goals and fellow senior Suzanne Patinella added three for the Lions, who beat their Bel Air rival for the third time this season.

“We always have a problem with John Carroll. They beat us time and time again,” said Patinella.  “Six of us have been together since freshman year and this was all we ever wanted and we weren’t going to lose it.”

The Lions came out roaring to start the first half. Just three minutes into the game, Ferderline snuck a shot past Patriots sophomore goalie Suzie Cumpston after passing to herself off the right side wall. Four minutes later, Maryvale saw that lead explode to 3-0 after goals by Federline and sophomore Darcy Wood.

“Coming into the game I was just trying to keep the girls calm. We had a good practice yesterday and they were all hyped up,” said Maryvale coach Colin Devlin.  “But if we could get out to an early start, we can finish it out, which we did.”

Leading 4-1 at halftime, Maryvale jumped out to another fast start in the second half.  Within two minutes, Patinella’s first goal and senior Gabby Tana’s score following an impressive step-over deke had the Lions on top, 6-1. 

Federline and Patinella would contribute the rest of the attack for Maryvale, and senior goalie Katie Smith remained solid in front of the net, as they went on to cruise to a seven-point triumph and their third title in five years.

“It’s an indescribable feeling. I love these girls to death,” said Patinella.  “To have the perfect season that most teams dream of is just unbelievable and I can’t describe this feeling.”

The Lions will graduate a total of eight seniors in the spring compared to just three for John Carroll (5-5).  If Maryvale hopes to be the first team in this rivalry to win back-to-back titles next season, Devlin will have to rebuild with his remaining six underclassmen.

“It’s going to be tough losing them, but I’ll go back to the start again,” said Devlin.  “It’s been real special.  I have a great group of kids.”

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