Collingswood Girls Lacrosse Falls to Camden Catholic in Double OT

Collingswood struck first in the game and first in overtime, but Camden Catholic fought back and controlled double overtime to pull out a 9-8 victory in the first round of the South Jersey, Group 1 girls lacrosse playoffs in Cherry Hill Thursday.

In stark contrast to a blowout loss two weeks ago, the Panthers came out strong and never trailed by more than two goals, then took a 7-6 lead with just over eight minutes left in the game on Krista LaMania’s third goal of the game.

Though the Collingswood defense repelled the Irish several times, Camden Catholic managed to tie it up with 1:49 left in the game to send it into overtime.

That’s where the Panthers took command—and also may have made their only mistake of the game.

Ellie O’Neill made a cut through the right side to beat Irish keeper Khia Baranowski on the low side to give Collingswood the lead, but the goal came halfway through the period—more than enough time for Camden Catholic to answer.

The Irish did just that, getting a goal from Maureen Cornely less than a minute later to tie it up and send it to the second overtime.

That’s where Camden Catholic put the clamps down, controlling the ball from the outset and grinding down the clock to set up a chance to score late and not give Collingswood the chance to respond.

Shannon McCormick’s goal with three seconds left in the game fulfilled that strategy, giving the Irish the win and sending Collingswood packing.