Abington duo in sync, on the field, at least

During school hours, Abington's Julia Guarini and Camryn Lexow never cross paths. But you should see what they do together on the soccer field.

"They're difference makers," coach Rick Tompkins said.

Difference makers with different schedules.

The question is posed to Guarini often:

Does she get to sleep in?

Guarini, a senior, has been home-schooled her whole life, but that doesn't mean waking up late and staying inside the house all day.

No, Guarini stays busy. She usually starts her morning at 6:15 in order to get to the house where she nannies at 7:30. Next up is SAT and ACT prep, followed by class taught by tutors. Then it's time for her anatomy and physiology class at Montgomery County College. Guarini is dual-enrolled, and will take biology, English and history at the college next semester.

If the Ghosts have an away game, she'll grab a quick bite to eat at home before getting to school by 1:45 to catch the bus.

Lexow's day is a little different. The freshman usually gets to school around 7:40 and hangs out in the commons area until the bell rings. School starts at 8:10, and from there, she goes to world history, geometry, and Mandarin, among other subjects.

On the field, the center midfielders have strikingly similar styles. They are tasked with jump-starting the Abington (12-6-1) attack.

Lexow likes taking opponents on one-on-one to get off a quick shot or service.

Guarini exposes defenses with her speed and always seems to find the open player. Her teammates call her Miss Messi because of how skilled she is with the ball at her feet.

"In preseason and in training she was really good," Lexow said. "I looked up to her, especially with her being a senior. I wanted to be good and do what she does and be a big part of the team like she is."

Lexow has become just that. The duo has been electric together, with Guarini and Lexow combining for 17 goals and assisting on many more.

The partnership is paying off for Abington. From 2008 until 2014, the Ghosts won a total of 31 games, never finishing with a record .500 or better.

This year has been completely different.

Abington registered 12 wins, including one against Neshaminy, and earned a berth in the District 1 Class AAA tournament.

The Ghosts fell to Wissahickon, 4-3, in penalty kicks after a 1-1 tie in the first round Tuesday night.

"It is exciting to have the hard work of the season pay off," Guarini said. "It's always nice to have a winning record. We've been the underdogs, so it is nice to be able to prove ourselves."

Underdogs no more, Lexow and Guarini have proven themselves to be explosive for the Ghosts.

The program has proven itself, too.

rallysports@phillynews.com