Storming the net


 


BUTLER TWP — Megan Crawford proves that good things come in small packages. 

Standing just 5-foot-1, Butler's junior attacker is among the WPIAL girls lacrosse leaders with 52goals through 11 games. 

This is Crawford's second year of starting for the Golden Tornado. 
“She didn't go to the goal a whole lot last year and focused more on defense,” said veteran Butler coach Annie Tigano. “I am a bit surprised at how much she has scored, only because that's a huge number of goals to have at this point in the season. But she also worked her butt off in the offseason to get better and it is now showing in her play.” 

Crawford played club lacrosse last year for Intrepid and will use her skills for True Lacrosse later this year. 
“What improved for me the most since this time last year was my stick work,” she said. “I've gotten better at catching and throwing passes and looking for open teammates down the field.” 
More times than not, however, Crawford's teammates are looking for her — and with good reason. 
She tallied a career high of 10 goals in a 15-10 victory over North Hills April 4. In her team's other 10games, she has scored at least three goals nine times. 
Crawford has used her short stature to her advantage. 
“She's really fast and is short enough that she can get through people,” said Tigano. 
But Crawford is also quick to credit her teammates for much of her success. 
“I didn't see this type of season coming for myself,” she said, “but I love being part of this team because everybody helps each other out. A lot of teamwork has gone into it.” 
The Golden Tornado are currently 5-6 overall and 2-3 in the Division 2, Section 3 standings. The team will enter the second half of its section schedule this week. With only the top three teams earning a WPIAL postseason berth, Butler's margin for error is small if it is to qualify for a third straight season. 
“I definitely think we can get back to the playoffs,” Crawford said. “We just need to keep working hard and keep improving.”

SCORING BINGE
Following is a game-by-game look at the 52 goals scored this season by Butler girls lacrosse star Megan Crawford: 
Opponent Goals 
Shady Side 4 
Latrobe 7 
Shaler 4 
Blackhawk 1 
North Hills 10 
Vincentian 4 
Hampton 3 
Villa Maria 5 
Knoch 4 
Blackhawk 3 
Hempfield 7