North Allegheny girls lacrosse puts focus on defense

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, April 12, 2018 | 11:00 PM

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The North Allegheny girls lacrosse team has figured out a myriad of ways to attack the opposing team on offense.

Finding a similarly effective group of options on defense will be vital.

The Tigers, who improved to 3-2 overall and in Section 3-AAA following a win over Seneca Valley last Wednesday, have dropped several tight matches by being unable to close out on defense.

North Allegheny has the 11th best offense in the WPIAL, scoring 12.75 goals per contest. It also is 29th out of 47 teams defensively, allowing 12.25 a game.

“Cutting, getting open for each other and knowing when our teammates are going to cut so we and get the ball to that girl,” North Allegheny senior Brooke Ferringer said on why the Tigers' attack has been so effective.

The Tigers have reached double figures in scoring in four of their first five games. North Allegheny's only game with fewer than 10 goals came during a 14-9 loss March 28 to Pine-Richland.

During a 14-13 loss to Sewickley Academy on April 9, North Allegheny showcased both sides.

The Tigers struggled in the first half, falling behind 10-6.

“We have to keep our heads up and don't beat ourselves up over silly mistakes we've made,” Ferringer said.

“We need to keep working to get back on the top. We've had dropped passes and missed communication on defense. Fixable mistakes, we'll get there.”

North Allegheny then rallied in the second half behind its offense. Paige Jones led the Tigers with four goals, while Ryley McClellan finished with a hat trick.

North Allegheny coach Harry Datz believes his team is still searching for their edge.

“I think our biggest thing to overcome would be the ability to win,” Datz said.

“These girls have gotten used to it and have become acclimated to it. We still need to have the killer instinct to get three or four goals up on a team and hold on to that lead.”

As for the offense, North Allegheny hasn't had an issue with creating chances.

The Tigers have developed continuity within the program, having played under Datz for three years.

“I think the seasoning of the players has come along in the three years I've been there,” Datz said. “I think they are starting to understand the philosophy of what we are after.”

Once North Allegheny tunes up its defense, the Tigers will be hard to stop.

“Keeping the communication up, on defense communication is definitely key,” Ferringer said.

“Our goalie does a great job communicating with the defense, and that will only improve throughout the season.”

Josh Rizzo is a freelance writer.

Tags: North Allegheny