It was a game that could not be decided in regulation. Two teams with similar goals showed why this South Jersey Group B quarterfinals girl’s lacrosse game had no one running for cover during a rainy overtime game. The fifth seeded Fighting Irish from Camden Catholic and fourth seeded Panthers from Collingswood would battle to an 18-18 deadlock at the end of regulation. Two early goals by Collingswood during the extra period were quickly erased by Katie Gallagher. Not satisfied with those goals, Gallagher worked her way past the defense and scored the game winner in sudden death to defeat Collingswood by the narrowest of margins. With the 22-21 victory, the Fighting Irish will travel to play top seeded Holy Cross.

Throughout this quarterfinals game, Camden Catholic had the momentum and the lead that the Panthers were continually working hard to reduce. With a halftime lead, the Irish watched Collingswood play their way back into this game and more importantly give their fans something to cheer about. Down 16-14, the Panthers would score three of the next four goals to tie this game at 17 apiece. Top scorer Katie Gallagher was on the bench serving a three minute yellow card penalty that lasted into the overtime period. Collingswood would take the 18-17 lead with just under a minute remaining in regulation on Lindsey Bazarth’s goal. Lauren Owens provided the game tying goal with only a few seconds left on the clock to send this game into overtime.

Both teams had an easier time advancing to this game. Camden Catholic had defeated twelfth seeded St. John Vianney by four goals and Collingswood totally outplayed Manasquan who was seeded in the thirteenth position. In this game, both teams needed every player involved in order to advance to the next round. Still serving her yellow card infraction, Gallagher watched Collingswood go ahead by two goals by Katie Feeley and Kelsey Dobbins. Now back in the game and making a sudden impact, Gallagher scored two goals during the second half of the overtime period to tie this game. Owens would put the Irish by one only to see Danielle Robinson’s goal extend this game into sudden death. Gallagher would get possession of the ball and made her shot count to finally end this exciting game.

Photos by Art Redd