Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 4/3/10
Junior Matt Walters scored on a blazing shot with 47 seconds to play today to give host Haverford School a thrilling 8-7 victory over Conestoga in a battle of two of the state’s top boys’ lacrosse teams.
Haverford (4-2) is ranked No. 3 in the PA Media polls while Conestoga (2-1) entered play as the No. 1 team and a ranking of No. 7 in the Under Armour/Inside Lacrosse National Rankings.
Last year, Conestoga easily handled the Fords, 10-4, and went on to reach the state finals. This time, the Pioneers held a 7-6 lead until senior attackman Stephen Aitken (two goals) tied the score, 7-7, with 8:17 remaining off a turnover forced by junior midfielder Brendan McGrath.
Conestoga was led by senior attackman Matt Smith, who tallied four goals and led a 3-0 run with two goals to give his team the 7-6 edge in the third period.
Haverford School junior goalie Conor Kelly, though, blanked Conestoga with several key saves in the final period and finished with eight overall.
Senior Pete Zonino made 10 saves for Conestoga.
Conestoga 2 2 3 0 – 7
Haverford School 2 3 1 2 – 8
Haverford Scoring: Stephen Aitken 2g; Matt Walters 2g; Carl Walrath 1g, 2a; Chris Hupfeldt 1g, 1a; Liam O’Connor 1g; Grove Stewart 1g.
Conestoga scoring: Matt Smith 4g; Dailey 1g, 1a; Jeff Chu 1g; Ryan Buttenbaum 1g; Ryan Lord 1a; Tanner Scott 1a.
Saves: C-Pete Zonino 10. HS-Conor Kelly 8.
