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Xan Wallenhurst let her emotions run free — before, during and after the game.
The Lenape senior, playing for what was probably the final time at home, scored a career-high six goals to help lead the Indians to a 19-8 South Group 4 first-round playoff win over Kingsway. Fifth-seeded Lenape (6-15 record) will visit 4-seed Old Bridge in a South 4 quarterfinal next week.
Despite the comfortable winning margin, Wallenhurst remained emotional long after the final whistle.
“I just knew we were playing for something bigger,” Wallenhurst said. “It was a really important game for me. I’m just really happy that we were able to bring it. The whole team was able to be there for me and for each other. That was really, really special to be a part of.”
After falling behind 4-1 at the 3-minute mark of the first quarter, Wallenhurst scored her first goal. On a free position chance with seven seconds left int he period, Wallenhurst scored again to tie the game. Lenape would go on to score 10 more goals before Kingsway found the netting again.
“Xan got that first goal for us,” junior Emily Ramirez said. “She is the hardest working person on this team. She’s determined. We love her.
“This game was so much bigger, and it really showed on the field. I’ve never seen us all work so well together as a team. It was honestly amazing.”
Ramirez, freshman Kelsey McNamara, plus sophomores Isabella Kohler and Mackenzie Montana scored two goals each. Junior Lexi Buciorelli added a hat trick plus six assists.
The goals were one thing. The spirit the team showed was quite another.
“It has been so special,” Wallenhurst said. “Playing here has been like such a family. Being able to play like the sport I love, with so many people that love me, is amazing. I love it. It has been literally the best experience.”
Kingsway had a challenging year one season removed from winning the Group 4 state title. Through it all Phoebe O’Rourke was a constant source of inspiration to her teammates. The junior topped the 200-goal mark for her career in the regular-season finale against West Deptford. With four goals and three assists against Lenape she raised her season total to 61 goals and 16 assists.
“This was definitely a rebuilding year,” O’Rourke said. “We lost a lot of our starters, so it was a year of growth. I think everyone stepped up and put in 100 percent effort. Even for the girls where this is not their main sport, or if it was their first time to the sport. I’m really proud of everyone for giving their all.”
O’Rourke has 206 career goals with one season to play.
“I’m so excited for next year,” O’Rourke said. “I’m so hungry, I think we’re going to beat all the odds next year. We are going to try our best to win Group 4 again.”
Tom Rimback grew up reading the Burlington County Times and Courier Post sports sections and began writing for the BCT in 1996. He has covered everything from Super Bowls and Final Fours to Tri-County Swimming but he’s happiest on a sideline interviewing South Jersey scholastic athletes. Follow him on twitter @Rimbacksports. Email him with story ideas at tomrimback@gmail.com and, most importantly, support local journalism with a subscription to the Courier-Post.
