As another successful spring sports season comes to a close, we caught up with our spring student-athletes from across Conwell-Egan Catholic (CEC) to reflect on the moments, milestones, and memories that defined their season. From championship runs and playoff appearances, to personal records and unforgettable team bonds, our Eagles demonstrated dedication, resilience, and CEC pride every step of the way.

In this edition of Captain's Corner, representatives from each spring sport share their perspectives on the highlights, challenges, and experiences that made the 2026 season one to remember.

Girls Lacrosse (7-8 Overall, 5-4 PCL)

Captains Allie Kerner ’26, Lacey Long ’26, McKenna Kush ‘26, and Carly Bowker ‘27 helped lead the girls lacrosse team through one of the program’s most successful recent seasons. The Eagles finished with a 5-4 record in the PCL and 7-8 overall, earning a playoff berth for the second consecutive year.

For Kerner, one of the biggest highlights was making lasting memories with her teammates while helping the team reach the postseason. “We truly formed a connection with each other and became a family, not just a team,” she said. Long echoed that sentiment, noting that the team's chemistry and ability to work together played a major role in its success.

The Eagles faced tough competition throughout the season, but Kerner said the team learned to enjoy the moment and support one another rather than get frustrated. Long also pointed to a Senior Day victory against Archbishop Ryan while playing a player down as an example of the team’s resilience and determination.

Head Coach Chris DiLeonardo praised the leadership of his seniors and the team’s accomplishments throughout the season. “The 2026 Girls Lacrosse team had a very successful season,” DiLeonardo said. “Finishing fifth in the PCL and advancing to the playoffs for the second year in a row is something this group should be proud of.”

Baseball (16-6 Overall, 10-2 PCL)

The Eagles' appearance in the PCL Championship Game was the program's first since 2006, highlighting a memorable season built on teamwork, perseverance, and belief in one another. Led by captains Connor Landau ’26, Brady Guzzie ’26, and Anthony Womack ’26, CEC put together one of its strongest seasons in recent memory.

For Landau and Womack, one of the biggest highlights of the season was defeating Archbishop Wood. Landau specifically recalled a go-ahead double in the victory, while Guzzie pointed to his two official no-hitters as a personal highlight.

What stood out most about this year's team was its chemistry. “We played for each other instead of ourselves,” Womack said. Landau agreed, noting that the team's chemistry was at an all-time high as players worked toward a shared goal of competing for a Catholic League and state championship.

The Eagles faced challenges throughout the season, including injuries and tough losses. Womack said losing three key players tested the team's depth, while the captains emphasized the importance of staying positive and picking one another up when adversity struck. Traditions such as pregame Hacky Sack, bus playlists, and postgame meals helped strengthen the team's bond throughout the year.

Head Coach Jeff Manto praised his players for their accomplishments.

“I’m proud of all of our players for earning a trip to the Catholic League Championship and for the opportunity to compete in the state tournament — both are well deserved,” Manto said.

Flag Football (12-2 Overall, 10-1 PCL)

Captains Angelina Locke ’27, Jaelyn Stintsman ’27, and Ariella Parks '26 helped guide the flag football team through one of the most successful seasons in program history where they captured CEC’s first-ever PCL Flag Football Championship.

Both captains pointed to victories over Archbishop Wood as defining moments of the year. For Locke, beating Wood for the first time was a season highlight, while Stintsman highlighted the win as part of a season that ended with the Eagles earning the No. 1 seed in the Philadelphia Catholic League.

What made this year's team special was its ability to stay connected through both wins and setbacks. “We always lifted each other up and got back to the next play,” Stintsman said. Locke echoed that sentiment, crediting the team's success to positivity, communication, and having faith in her teammates' abilities.

The Eagles faced challenges throughout the season, including communication issues and a difficult loss to Archbishop Ryan in the beginning of the season. Rather than letting adversity divide them, the team came together, trusted one another, and continued to improve. Their resilience and commitment to each other helped fuel one of the strongest seasons in program history, capped off by a thrilling PCL Championship win in overtime over Archbishop Ryan.

“This team showed tremendous growth from the beginning of the season to the end,” said head coach Dan Friscia. “They learned from adversity, improved their communication, and always found ways to lift each other up. Their commitment to one another helped lead to an incredible season and a well-earned PCL Championship.”

Softball (10-9 Overall, 7-3 PCL)

Captains Avery Kenworthy ’26, Angelina Pandolfi ‘26, and Grace Bilardo ‘26 helped lead the softball team through a season defined by leadership, growth, and strong team chemistry.

One of the season's biggest highlights was opening PCL play with a remarkable 49-0 run differential through the team's first four league games. Kenworthy also pointed to the close relationships built throughout the season, including team trips and postgame meals that strengthened the Eagles' bond.

“This year we have seven seniors,” Kenworthy said. “That allows every player to have someone to look up to and learn from.”

After an undefeated season a year ago, the Eagles faced new challenges and pressure throughout the spring. “We overcame adversity by coming together as a team, talking through challenges, and making sure everyone had a voice,” Kenworthy said. That leadership and openness helped the team stay focused and continue growing together throughout the season.

Head coach Sandy Hart praised the team's response to adversity. “After a sudden and heartbreaking season-ending defeat, players shifted focus from the scoreboard to the team's shared journey and lessons learned,” Hart said. “The sudden setback does not erase the months of hard work, growth, and family atmosphere they built on the field.”

Boys Lacrosse (3-16 Overall, 3-8 PCL)

Captains Andrew Haney ’26, Michael Sagbaicela ‘26, and Christopher Nuzzi ‘27 helped lead a young boys lacrosse team that continued to grow throughout the spring season.

Haney reflected on a season defined by growth and team chemistry. While the bus rides became some of his favorite memories, Haney said the biggest difference this year was the bond among teammates. “We were a lot closer and more friendly this year, and that made us a better team,” he shared.

The Eagles faced challenges with inexperience throughout the season, but they worked to overcome them through consistent practice and dedication. Haney also helped motivate his teammates by encouraging them to put in extra work, including spending time on wall ball drills to improve their skills.

Whether celebrating victories or singing “Hey There Delilah” on the bus ride home after an away win, the team built lasting memories while continuing to grow together on and off the field. 

“I’m proud of the growth this team showed throughout the season,” said head coach Pat Durso. “We had a young group that gained valuable experience every game, and our players continued to improve through their commitment to practice and their willingness to work together. The team became much closer as the season progressed, and that chemistry will be a strong foundation for the future of CEC boys lacrosse.”

Track & Field 

Captain Sean McGovern ’26 helped lead the track and field team through a season focused on growth, improvement, and hard work. One of his personal highlights was winning three medals at a single meet, earning a medal in every event he competed in.

McGovern emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset throughout the season. “We keep a positive attitude and work hard every day to keep improving,” he said. He also helped motivate teammates by assisting with training and practices while encouraging others to continue pushing toward their goals.

This year's team featured several new runners who were experiencing track and field for the first time. The Eagles worked throughout the season to improve relay handoffs and build smoother, faster exchanges. On meet days, McGovern followed the same warm-up routine and wore the same cover pants and hoodie, a tradition that helped him stay focused and prepared for competition.

McGovern also maintained a personal game-day routine, wearing the same warmups and following the same stretching routine before each meet.

“This was another strong season for our track and field program,” said head coach Brian Wurtz. “We had three athletes qualify for the PIAA State Championships, seven earn All-Catholic honors, and saw Lisa Quirmolue continue to break school records. I’m proud of the hard work our athletes put in all season and excited about the future of the program.”

As the 2025-2026 athletic year comes to a close, we reflect on a season filled with growth, teamwork, and memorable achievements. Across every sport, our student-athletes demonstrated what it means to be an Eagle both on and off the field. We would like to extend a special thank you to the senior members of the Class of 2026 for their leadership, dedication, and contributions to CEC Athletics. 26 seniors will be continuing their athletics careers at the next level. 

Ben Blaskopf (Bowling) Trine University

Antonio Carmona (Track and Field) Alvernia University

Abu Fofana (Football) Villanova University

Matt Gaspari (Lacrosse) Immaculata University

Lukas Grodzki (Wrestling) Alvernia University

Andrew Haney (Lacrosse) Widener University

Gavin Hartley (Baseball) King’s College

Avery Kenworthy (Softball) Johnson and Wales University

Connor Landau (Baseball) Penn State Greater Allegheny

Lacey Long (Soccer and Lacrosse) Chestnut Hill College

Grace Mee (Softball) Gwynedd Mercy University

Kimberly Padilla (Soccer) Chestnut Hill College

Angelina Pandolfi (Softball) Arcadia University

Alia Schmidt (Volleyball) Shippensburg University

Riley Suppin (Cheerleading) Lasalle University

Chris Toombs (Football) Lock Haven University

Chase Walters (Football) East Stroudsburg University

Anthony Womack (Baseball) Penn State Brandywine

Justin Bobb (Basketball) Wilmington University 

Juan Correa (Soccer) St. Joseph’s University 

Julia Horger (Wrestling) Grand Valley University 

James Ellis (Baseball) Bucks County Community College 

Jackson Held (Soccer) Widener University 

Keegan Johnson (Baseball) Penn State Brandywine 

Jake McClain (Baseball) University of Virginia at Wise 

Jackson Johnston (Soccer) East Stroudsburg University 

Congratulations on your accomplishments, and best of luck in the next chapter of your journey.