Girls Lacrosse: O’Brien scores 100th, Garnet Valley returns to form in district opener

CONCORD >> Scoring her 100th career goal Tuesday was news to Garnet Valley junior Madi O’Brien. “I had no clue,” O’Brien said. “I was like, ‘Why is everyone screaming my name?’ I didn’t know why.” After a while, keeping track becomes a tedious exercise. As O’Brien noted, it’s her job to fire lasers past the goalie.

“Exactly,” she said, laughing. “It’s what I’m supposed to do.” The information was disseminated over the public address system at Moe DeFrank Stadium, and “Madi O” got to briefly celebrate and accept compliments from coaches and teammates.

“It’s pretty cool,” she said. O’Brien’s goal milestone highlighted a tremendous effort by No. 4 Garnet Valley, which disposed of 29th-seeded Kennett, 19-7, in the first round of the District One tournament.

Garnet Valley hosts 13th-seeded Plymouth Whitemarsh in a second-round game Thursday at 5 p.m. Emily Mathewson led the Jaguars (14-4-1) with five goals and an assist. O’Brien netted four goals, while Kamryn McNeal and Camryn Faith each added a hat trick. Rachel Warden was excellent on defense and goalie Lauren Kinnee made four saves. Garnet Valley jumped out to a 5-0 lead over the Blue Demons in the first eight minutes of regulation. They dominated draw controls and overwhelmed the offensive zone.

It was just the type of performance the Jags needed.

“We have that one-game-at-a-time mentality right now,” O’Brien said. “We have to focus on the here and now.” Garnet Valley ended its regular season with only one win in its final four contests. The 1-3-1 record included a two-overtime tie with Strath Haven and losses to Conestoga, Great Valley and Abington. But it’s no surprise the Jaguars started their playoff run with a blowout against an overmatched Kennett squad.

This is Garnet Valley’s time of year.

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Garnet Valley junior Madi O’Brien scored the 100th goal of her career in a 19-7 victory over Kennett in the opening round of the District One girls lacrosse tournament Tuesday. (Robert Gurecki/Daily Times)