Go Heart! Athletics Highlights

Athletics Highlights 2020-2021

GO HEART!

IN SEASONS FULL OF UPS AND DOWNS, STOPS AND STARTS, and much uncertainty, athletics played an important role in the life of many Sacred Heart students this year more than ever. But competing without fans, wearing masks, and facing scheduling restrictions didn’t stop the Lady Lions from having a banner year. In fact, two SHA teams brought home championship banners to Gormley Gymnasium in 2020-21.

IT’S A 5-PEAT FOR SHOOPS!

In what is becoming a long-standing tradition, Sacred Heart basketball hoisted the District 1 AA Championship trophy yet again in 2021. After posting a 10-5 record during the regular season, SHA brought home its fifth straight District Champs banner in a lopsided victory over Dock Mennonite Academy.

Dock had no answer for SHA’s crushing defense or a balanced offensive effort that featured scoring by eight players in the 47-11 victory. The win earned SHA an appearance in the PIAA state tournament for the fifth consecutive time under head coach Zach Shuler.

Kathryn Gallagher ’22, who enjoyed a breakout year, led the way all season long. SHoops’ top scorer, Kathryn was recognized as the Main Line Times Athlete of the Week during the season and was later named the team’s MVP. Junior Ainsley Davis also played a key role in the Lady Lions success posting big numbers during the playoffs. Team captain Mary Lauren Franz ’21, along with fellow senior Annie DeFrancesco, never lost a district title game in their four years with SHoops.

“I am really proud of how hard the team played all year long in masks, never once complaining,” said Mr. Shuler. “Coach (Brent) Schulte and I asked the players to compete in every drill in practice and every play in each game and their determination and effort paid off. So happy to see so many players step up in key moments all season long. I am grateful to both ML and Annie for their leadership as seniors, and I am looking forward to what this team can do next season!”

SHVB TAKES UNPRECEDENTED PROGRAM STEP

After convincingly winning their fourth straight District 1 A Championship, the SHA volleyball team went on a storied playoff run in the fall of 2020, advancing to the semifinals of the PIAA Single A State Championship, a first in program history.

Despite having only one senior starter (Erin Corcoran ’21, team MVP and Main Line Times Athlete of the Week) and losing two starters to injury, the youthful SHVB team was not to be denied. They plowed through the District Championship game, defeating Plumstead Christian handily in three sets. For Erin, all she has known is district titles, the first player in school history to win one every year.

The team proved their championship mettle in the state tournament, winning a grueling five-set match against an undefeated Mount Calvary Christian in the PIAA state quarterfinals. The win advanced them to the semifinals of the state championship where they took perennial powerhouse Marian Catholic to five sets before losing in a heartbreaking ending.

“It was an incredible match,” noted head coach Sam Moyerman. “We came up just two points short of going to the state finals. And that is a testament to how hard these girls worked all year. Our team captains, Erin and Bella (O’Toole ’22), were great leaders and set the tone for our younger players. We had a season that none of these players will ever forget. They never gave up and left it all out on the floor. They played their hearts out. I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

Read more athletics news from the SHA Lady Lions at: shabrynmawr.org/athletics/athetics-news-details

OH WHAT A YEAR!

FIELD HOCKEY

Mary Lauren Franz ’21 was named to the All-Main Line First Team, while teammates Abby Braun ’22 (Second Team), Caroline Fleming ’22 (Honorable Mention) and Meilyn Frank ’22 (Honorable Mention) also earned All-Main Line Honors. Mary Lauren, who was also an AACA All-Star, will continue her playing career at Ursinus College.

TENNIS

Natasha Szipszky ’21 earned a spot on the Catholic Academies All-Star Singles Team for the second time and landed on the All-Main Line girls' second tennis team for singles, a list that included outstanding tennis players from 19 high schools.

GOLF

All four seniors played in the AACA Championships for the fourth consecutive year. Natalie Algeo ’21, a two-year team captain, was named team MVP for the second time.

CROSS COUNTRY

Freshman runner Makenzie Fisher ’24 had a tremendous start to her high school career and was named MVP for the season.

VOLLEYBALL

For the first time in the history of SHA's volleyball program, three players were named to the Pennsylvania All-State Team. Erin Corcoran ’21, Bella O’Toole ’22 and Liz Cuskey ’23 all earned spots on the list. Erin, an All-State selection in 2019 as well, was also named First Team All-District, First Team All-Main Line, and an AACA All Star, the first volleyballer in school history to make all four lists. Erin was also inducted into SHA’s Red and White Athletic Club.

ATHLETICS AT A GLANCE

Nearly 80% of our students participate in athletics. SHA offers 12 sports to Middle and Upper School students. SHA is a member of the Athletic

Association of the Catholic Academies

(AACA), which is governed by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA). In 2021, Sacred Heart athletes were recognized with honors for their outstanding seasons: 3 All-State 4 All-District 10 AACA All-Stars 3 All-Delco 15 All-Main Line 2 Main Line Times Athletes of the Week

BASKETBALL

SHoops standouts Ainsley Davis ’22 and Kathryn Gallagher ’22, who were SHA's top scorers this season, were both named to the All-Main Line First Team, while landing on the All-Delco Honorable Mention team. Mary Lauren Franz ’21, who led the team in steals and assists, was selected for the All-Main Line second team and made the All-Delco Honorable Mention list.

CREW

Jacky Leigh ’22 had a big day at the City Championships in May, winning a first place medal in the novice single boat category. Tierney Pegg ’21 and Kathryn Gleeson ’21 -- the sole seniors on this year’s crew team -- both enjoyed successful seasons after great careers at SHA. Tierney, who was named team MVP, will continue her crew career at Division 1 LaSalle University.

LACROSSE

Aubrey Conners ’21, was selected to the AACA and an All-Delco team and was also the MVP of this year’s squad. Aubrey will continue her playing career in college at Clark University.

TRACK

Great performances abounded by SHA track stars at the AACA Track Championship. Aly Albanese ’23, (also selected as an AACA All-Star and an All-Delco) won a second-place medal for the high jump, while Makenzie Fisher ’24 and Kathryn Gallagher ’22 captured ribbons in the 1600M and 400M runs respectively. The trio also earned a trip to the PIAA District 1 Track & Field Championships where Aly leapt her way to a silver medal in the high jump, Kathryn won bronze medals in both the 400M and 200M races, and Makenzie brought home a bronze medal in the 1600M.