Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/19/10
For the third time in a week, Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) power Loyola-Blakefield has defeated a team from Philadelphia’s Inter-Ac League.
Today the Dons toppled visiting Malvern Prep, 8-2, to complete the sweep. Loyola had defeated Penn Charter, 9-7, on Saturday and took down Haverford School, 8-6, on Wednesday.
Loyola led, 3-0, at halftime and never let the Friars get an offensive flow. But Malvern Prep first-year coach Dan Keating found many bright spots.
First was the goaltending of senior Andrew O’Connell, who made 15 saves and was brilliant all day. Also, junior face-off specialist Drew Kennedy won 12 of 14 draws.
“We’re a team trying to figure itself out,” said Keating. “Our defense played very well. We’re using a lot of new faces and we only had seven or eight practices for an hour due to the (wet) fields.
“Loyola has a very good team and an excellent defense. They’ve beaten three Inter-Ac teams and in each game they went out to a big lead.”
Loyola-Blakefield (3-0) is ranked No. 22 in the Under Armour/Inside Lacrosse National Power Rankings.
Malvern Prep next faces Hill School on Wednesday in a game tentatively scheduled for Malvern Prep, though the game may be moved to United Sports in nearby Downingtown. Malvern plays Friday against defending Delaware state champion Salesianum at West Chester’s Kelly Field at 7 p.m.
