By John Knebels • Posted May 17, 2013

It has become almost comical when talking about Archbishop Carroll’s dominance in girls’ lacrosse.

No disrespect intended toward the rest of the league, but really, is it even worth playing the games? Are teams simply going through the motions in a vain attempt to dethrone a program that has captured 12 consecutive Catholic League championships?

Certainly not, right? Because, well, some people do occasionally win something against all odds. A million-dollar lotto comes to mind. Casino jackpots are a possibility. The Eagles winning a Super Bowl … OK, now it’s getting ridiculous.

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Carroll’s latest conquest was a 20-2 Catholic League semifinal victory against overmatched St. Hubert’s. League Most Valuable Player Taryn Deck was her typical self, contributing four goals and three assists. Two of her teammates added a hat trick and four more supplied two apiece.

Next up to the guillotine is Cardinal O’Hara, which doubled up on Archbishop Wood, 10-5, in the other semifinal. At 6 p.m. Monday at Neumann University, O’Hara will try do what no other team has been able to do in the past dozen years and counting: squash Goliath.

Best wishes, David. Bring a lot more than one sling shot.

“We never take anything for granted,” said Carroll coach Lorraine Beers. “There is some pressure on the girls because they want to defend the streak and don’t want to be on the team that lets it go.”

Beers is sincere when she says things like that. Truly. It’s not like she really doesn’t think it but simply says it to be nice. And her players follow suit.

When you watch Carroll play a Catholic League opponent, it is as though the Patriots couldn’t care less what the other team’s record is. They go out and play hard until the final whistle.

It’s sort of a clinic. That’s precisely what it was like against Hubert’s when players such as Margaret Filippelli, Isabelle Schmidt, Carla Hagan, Meghan Matey, Julianne Miele, Natalie Schmitt and defensive stalwart Megan Santoleri remained relentless before giving way to the back-ups, who, truth be told, did more of the same.

“We work hard,” said Deck. “It starts with practice and extends to the games. And yes, we respect our opponents. Whether or not we are favored doesn’t make a difference to any of us. We believe that any team can beat another team. It’s happened before. It happens all the time.”

Yep. Just like that million-dollar lotto or casino jackpot.

The smart money? Bet your bottom dollar on the Patriots. It’s a really, really safe bet.

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John Knebels can be reached at jknebs@aol.com.