By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/15/10

Haverford School goalie Conor Kelly made 15 saves Friday (Photo by Andrew Sabia)

It was an even split Friday between teams from Philadelphia’s Inter-Ac League and the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) as the scholastic lacrosse season opened.

Haverford School struck a huge blow for Philly by defeating visiting St. Paul’s, 13-9, the No. 3 team in the under Armour/Inside Lacrosse Power Rankings. The Fords, who have only five seniors on their roster, were ranked No. 14 and certainly got a boost in confidence.

After the win, though, Haverford coach John Nostrant noted that the Fords go right back to work against MIAA teams. They travel to Loyola-Blakefield Tuesday. The Dons, a perennial MIAA power, defeated Penn Charter, 9-7, Friday in another Philly-vs-Baltimore contest.

Haverford School also hosts MIAA heavyweight McDonogh on Saturday at 1 p.m. and yet another MIAA power, Gilman School, on March 24. The Fords begin play against Pennsylvania teams March 26 when they travel to two-time defending state champion La Salle.

There are other Philly-Baltimore matchups in the early going. Malvern Prep, which tied with Haverford School for the Inter-Ac crown last year, travels to Loyola-Blakefield this Friday for its opener. On March 25, Penn Charter travels to meet McDonogh and Episcopal Academy – another Inter-Ac power – plays at St. Vincent Pallotti.

Also on Saturday, The Hill School took its lumps at MIAA power St. Mary’s Annapolis, 15-0. The Blues were shorthanded due to several injuries and have had limited practice time.