By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 1/25/12

Radnor senior defender Moira Mahoney has committed to play Division III lacrosse at Dickinson College.

Moira Mahoney log:

Moira Mahoney

High School: Radnor

Graduation Year: 2012

Position: Defender

College Choice: Dickinson College

Club Affiliation: SEPA 2012

Major lacrosse honors: Member of State Championship Team, 2010.

What will you major in/study? Special Education

Why did you choose Dickinson? “I chose Dickinson because it was the perfect size for me. The team was really nice and they made me feel like I was already part of the family. I met coach (Carol) Hatton and she had confidence in me; that was nice to have.”

What is your HS team’s outlook for next year? “I think we’re going to be have a good chance this year; everyone is working hard in the off season and we’re all dedicated to make it happen again.”

Other comments: “I wanted to thank my parents for all their support, and also all my coaches for helping me develop as a player.”

By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 1/23/12

The schedule and times for the 12th annual Katie Samson Lacrosse Festival slated for April 28 at Radnor High has been released.

The nation’s largest high school single-day lacrosse event features 26 boys’ teams and 28 girls’ teams and benefits the Katie Samson Foundation, which raises money and awareness for spinal cord injury research and development. The Katie Samson Foundation has raised over $1,000,000 since it was formed in 2001.

The premier boys’ game is the rematch between Haverford School, the No. 1 team in the nation last year, and two-time defending Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association champion Conestoga (25-1), at 1:30 p.m. on the Prevost (football) Field. Haverford School went a perfect 23-0 last year and dealt the Pioneers their only loss of the season last year at Katie Samson, 11-6. At the time, the teams were ranked 1-2 in the nation and the game drew well over 2,000 people.

Other top games include: Inter-Ac League power Malvern Prep vs. New Jersey prep heavyweight Lawrenceville School (3:30 p.m., Prevost); PIAA state finalist St. Joseph’s Prep vs. Central League power Radnor (4 p.m., Enke, Turf 1); Central League runner-up Garnet Valley vs. South Jersey power St. Augustine Prep (11:30 a.m., Creek); Ches-Mont power Downingtown East vs. 2008-09 state champion La Salle (11:30 a.m., Prevost); state qualifier Downingtown West vs. New England prep power Brunswick School (CT) (1:30 p.m., Creek); and Inter-Ac power Germantown Academy vs. Lehigh Valley Conference champion Emmaus (9:30, Prevost).

The top girls’ game features a game between what figures to be two of the top-ranked teams in the nation as defending PIAA champion Garnet Valley faces Virginia powerhouse St. Stephens and St. Agnes (2:15 p.m., Turf 1). Garnet Valley lost only one senior from a team that went 24-3; St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes went 31-2 and features junior superstar attack Carly Reed (153 goals in 2011, 237 career goals).

Other top girls’ games include 11-time Catholic League champion Archbishop Carroll vs. state qualifier Harriton (2:15 p.m., Rowland); state semifinalist Great Valley vs. Inter-Ac power Notre Dame (9 a.m., Turf 1); four-time Central League champion vs. host Radnor and seven-time Inter-Ac champion Episcopal Academy (10:45, Turf 1); and state qualifier Upper Dublin vs. two-time defending Friends Schools League champion Friends’ Central (10:45 a.m., Library).

12th Annual Katie Samson Lacrosse Festival
Satusday, April 28, at Radnor High

Boys’ Games

Germantown Academy Vs. Emmaus HS 9:30 AM Prevost
Cardinal O’Hara HS Vs. Bayard Rustin HS 9:30 AM Loop
Hatboro-Horsham HS Vs. Archbishop Wood HS 9:30 AM Creek
La Salle College HS Vs. Downingtown East HS 11:30 AM Prevost
Archbishop Carroll HS Vs. Harriton HS 11:30 AM Loop
St. Augustine Prep (NJ) Vs. Garnet Valley HS 11:30 AM Creek
Haverford School Vs. Conestoga HS 1:30 PM Prevost
Shipley School Vs. Haverford HS 1:30 PM Loop
Brunswick School (CT) Vs. Downingtown West HS 1:30 PM Creek
Malvern Prep Vs. Lawrenceville School (NJ) 3:30 PM Prevost
Hill School Vs. Penn Charter 3:30 PM Loop
Episcopal Academy Vs. Springfield-Delco HS 3:30 PM Creek
Radnor HS Vs. St. Joseph’s Prep 4:00 PM Turf1/Enke

* The home team is the first team named. Prevost Field is the football stadium field. Loop field is below the south side of Radnor HS, parallel to Lancaster Ave. Creek is parallel to King of Prussia School on the east side of Radnor HS. Enke is the turf field on the west side of RHS, parallel to the entrance.

Girls’ Games

Notre Dame Academy Vs. Great Valley HS 9:00 AM Turf1/Enke
Shipley School Vs. Penncrest HS 9:00 AM Library
Villa Maria Academy Vs. WC Henderson HS 9:00 AM Rowland
Radnor HS Vs. Episcopal Academy 10:45 AM Turf1/Enke
Friends’ Central Vs. Upper Dublin HS 10:45 AM Library
Baldwin School Vs. Boyertown HS 10:45 AM Rowland
Mt. St. Joseph Academy Vs.Conestoga HS 12:30 PM Turf1/Enke
Springside School Vs. Methacton HS 12:30 PM Library
William Penn Charter School Vs. Unionville HS 12:30 PM Rowland
St. Agnes & St. Stephen’s School (VA) Vs. Garnet Valley HS 2:15 PM Turf1/Enke
Hill School Vs. Downingtown East HS 2:15 PM Library
Archbishop Carroll HS Vs. Harriton HS 2:15 PM Rowland
Agnes Irwin SchoolVs.Haverford HS 4:00 PM Library
Germantown Academy Vs. Abington HS 4:00 PM Rowland

* The first team named is the home team. Enke Field is the turf field on the west side of Radnor HS. Library Field is on the east side of RHS, parallel to King of Prussia Rd. in the outfield of the baseball field. Rowland field is on the west side of RHS above then entrance road.

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 1/21/12
From Press Releases

For the third consecutive year, the Big East women’s lacrosse coaches have selected Georgetown as the favorite in the league’s preseason poll.

The Hoyas totaled 60 points, including five first-place votes and were narrowly picked ahead of Syracuse (59 points), which had three first-place selections. Loyola landed third with 51 points, including one first-place vote. Coaches were not permitted to vote for their own teams.

The Hoyas are led by senior midfielder-defender Kelly Barnes (Radnor), a former Phillylacrosse.com Co-Player of the Year who was named to the All-Big East Preseason squad, along with Notre Dame senior Maggie Tamasitis (Boyertown), Loyola senior defender Kellye Gallagher (Ridley) and Villanova’s Justine Donodeo.

Syracuse junior Michelle Tumolo was tabbed as the Big East Preseason Offensive Player of the Year and was one of nine unanimous Preseason All-Big East honorees. She totaled 63 points last season on 30 goals and 33 assists. Tumolo also earned All-Big East First Team honors in 2011.

Loyola senior Ana Heneberry was picked as the Big East Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. A third-team All-American in 2011, Heneberry anchored a Loyola defense that finished the year ranked 12th in the NCAA by allowing just 8.85 goals per game. She also helped Loyola lead the nation in caused turnovers per game (11.75) finishing second on the team with 28.

Heneberry is a two-time All-Big East Second Team selection and has earned dual all-region honors by the IWLCA. She was also named to the 2011 Big East All-Tournament Team after helping the program claim its first conference title since joining the league in 2005.

Georgetown returns six starters and 23 letterwinners to a squad that won the 2011 Big East regular-season crown and earned the No. 1 seed in the Big East Championship. The Hoyas went 9-8 last season, including 7-1 in Big East play. Kelsi Bozel and Sophia Thomas, both midfielders, were unanimous Preseason All-Big East picks for the Hoyas. Senior Barnes will anchor the Georgetown defense this year, while junior Dina Jackson will lead the attack. Each player was named to the Preseason All-Big East squad.

Syracuse, which has advanced to the semifinals of the NCAA Championship in two of the last four years under the direction of head coach Gary Gait, was picked second. The Orange (10-8, 7-1 Big East) return seven starters and 22 letterwinners. Syracuse has three Preseason All-Big East selections, including Tumolo. Adding to the offense will be unanimous Preseason All-Big East selection and sophomore Katie Webster. Junior defender Becca Block also was named to the Preseason All-Big East team.

Loyola (17-3, 6-2 Big East) was the league’s automatic entrant in the NCAA Championship last year and brings back seven starters and 17 letterwinners. Led by 2011 Big East Coach of the Year Jen Adams, the Greyhounds begin their seventh year of Big East play, having joined the league in 2006. Loyola has four Preseason All-Big East selections. Senior goalkeeper Kerry Stoothoff was a unanimous choice to the team along with Heneberry. Senior defender Kellye Gallagher and sophomore midfielder Marlee Paton also were picked to the league’s preseason team.

Notre Dame begins the year under the direction of first-year head coach Christine Halfpenny, who joined the Irish after five years as the head coach at William & Mary. Senior attack Tamasitis should lead the offense after totaling 67 points last season. The unanimous Preseason All-Big East selection had a league-leading 46 assists and 21 goals. Sophomore midfielder Kaitlyn Brosco also was selected for the league’s preseason squad. Last year Notre Dame (10-9, 6-2 Big East) advanced to the title game of the Big East Championship.

Louisville, Cincinnati and Villanova round out the poll. Donodeo is a Preseason All-Big East pick after totaling 51 points, including 39 goals last season. The Wildcats are under the direction of first-year head coach Julie Young. She spent the past three seasons as head coach at Haverford College.

The 2012 Big East women’s lacrosse season begins on Friday, Feb. 17. The Big East championship is set for Thursday, May 3, with the title game set for Saturday, May 5. The championship will be held at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, N.Y.

2012 Big East Women’s Lacrosse Preseason Coaches’ Poll

Rk Team (1st) Points
1. Georgetown (5) 60
2. Syracuse (3) 59
3. Loyola (1) 51
4. Notre Dame 44
5. Rutgers 34
6. Connecticut 27
7. Louisville 26
8. Villanova 12
9. Cincinnati 11

Preseason Offensive Player of the Year
Michelle Tumolo, Syracuse, Junior, Attack

Preseason Defensive Player of the Year
Ana Heneberry, Loyola, Senior, Defense

Preseason All-Big East Team
Kelly Barnes (Radnor), Georgetown, Senior, Defense
Becca Block, Syracuse, Junior, Defense
Kaitlyn Brosco, Notre Dame, Sophomore, Midfield
*Kelsi Bozel, Georgetown, Junior, Midfield
Justine Donodeo, Villanova, Senior, Midfield
Kellye Gallagher (Ridley), Loyola, Senior, Defense
*Ana Heneberry, Loyola, Senior, Defense
Dina Jackson, Georgetown, Junior, Attack
*M.E. Lapham, Connecticut, Senior, Attack
Marlee Paton, Loyola, Sophomore, Midfield
*Ali Steinberg, Rutgers, Senior, Midfield
*Kerry Stoothoff, Loyola, Senior, Goalkeeper
*Maggie Tamasitis (Boyertown), Notre Dame, Senior, Attack
*Sophia Thomas, Georgetown, Junior, Midfield
*Michelle Tumolo, Syracuse, Junior, Attack
*Katie Webster, Syracuse, Sophomore, Midfield

*unanimous selections

By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 11/26/11

Radnor junior goalie Brendan Manderack has made a verbal commitment to play Division I lacrosse at Drexel University.

Brendan Manderack log:

Brendan Manderack

High School: Radnor

Graduation Year: 2013

Position: Goalie

College Choice: Drexel

Club Affiliation: Mesa Fresh 2013

Major lacrosse honors: Second Team All-Central, 2010, Honorable Mention, 2009; EPSLA Showcase, 2011.

What will you major in/study? Undecided

Why did you choose school? “It’s a great location and a perfect fit for me lacrosse-wise, as well as the distance from my home. It’s the best chance for me to do well in my future and the co-op program really interested me.”

What is your HS team’s outlook for next year? “I hope we can go deep into the playoffs if everyone gets on the same page.”

Other comments: “I want to thank my (Radnor) head coach John Begier; and my Mom for pushing me as hard as she did; and also my rala boys.”

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 11/26/11
From Press Releases

Kings Point, NY – Head coach Tom Gill is pleased to announce the 10 new midshipmen joining the Mariner lacrosse program as well as one former player returning for the spring of 2012.

“We are elated to welcome these student athletes into our program,” said Gill. “They have been working diligently in the regiment, the classroom, and on the field, to continue to honor the USMMA lacrosse tradition. Adding these committed players to our returning core group can only bode well for the upcoming season. We are looking forward to assembling on our new turf field and in our renovated locker room and begin, what we hope will be, a successful campaign.”

The Class of 2015 includes:

D. Troy Smith – Midfield, 5’11, 195, Deer Park, TX/Deer Park HS
A three year starter, Troy was the Offensive MVP in the Texas DII State Championship Game in 2011. Major: Marine Engineering Systems

Geoff Harty – Attack, 5’8, 160, Glenview, IL/Glenbrook South HS
Four-year starter at Glenbrook South … Scored 181 goals and 89 assists in his four-year career… Two time all-conference selection and two year letter winner in Hockey. Major: Logistics and Intermodal Transportation.

Jeffrey Michaelson– Defense – 6’0, 195, Radnor, PA/Radnor HS
All Delaware County and Winner of Coaches Award as a Senior, four year starter. National Merit Scholar. Major: Marine Transportation

Ryan Mulligan – Defense/LSM– 6’3, 205- Huntington, NY/Huntington
Two year starter, 2010 Coaches Award recipient, National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Football Scholar Athlete Award, Suffolk County Scholar Athlete Award ( All Sports). Major: Systems Engineering

Timothy Llull – LSM/Defense – 5’11, 185- Havertown, PA/Archbishop Carroll HS
Three year starter and three year All Catholic League recipient, Captain as a senior, three year varsity football letter winner. Major: Marine Engineering and Shipyard Management

Kevin Young – Goalkeeper- 5’11, 205- Springfield, VA/West Springfield HS
First team All District as a senior, Varsity Hockey and Golf member. Major: Engineering

Alex Peyreigne – Goalkeeper – 5’8, 165- Weston, CT/Weston HS
All State 2011, All Conference 2011, Conference Player of the Year 2011. Major: Marine Transportation

Hunter Smith – Attack –6’0, 230 – Marblehead, MA/Tabor Academy
All Conference Lacrosse, Football and Hockey at Tabor Academy. Hunter returns to the lacrosse team for his senior season after a two year hiatus. Major: Engineering

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 11/16/11

Radnor High will host a special benefit lacrosse tournament tonight involving players from four of the top boys’ teams in the Philly region, including Conestoga, Haverford School, Malvern Prep and the host Red Raiders.

The “4 School Lax Mix” will begin at 6 p.m. with games on two turf fields. The second set of games will be held at 7:30.

Admission for the fundraiser is $5. Donation boxes also will be provided.

All proceeds from the event will benefit to Benefit NTAF Mid-Atlantic Traumatic Brain Injuries in honor of Logan Schweiter. Logan, 12, a Conestoga Youth Lacrosse (CYL) player, is rehabilitating from an serious accident July 25 when he was caught under water in a flooded creek.

The four teams will be split up evenly to create eight teams (four varsity, four JV) of about 22 players each. Games will be played on both turf fields – with four games being played in all.

The Varsity and JV Navy and Red Teams will play at 6:00 and the Green And Carolina Blue Teams will play at 7:30. Varsity games

The talent on the field will be exceptional. Haverford School went undefeated last year and was ranked No. 1 in every national poll. Two-time defending state champion Conestoga, ranked No. 3 in several national polls, has been to three straight state finals. Malvern Prep was ranked No. 25 in the nation in the final ESPNRISE POWERADE FAB 50 poll and Radnor is a perennial Central League challenger.

Prevost Field (Football Stadium):

6 PM – Navy Blue Team vs Red Team; 7:30 PM – Carolina Blue Team vs Green Team

Encke Field (turf field adjacent Radnor-Chester Road)

6 PM – Navy Blue Team vs Red Team; 7:30 PM – Carolina Blue Team vs Green Team

By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 11/11/11

Radnor senior attack Amelie Yeager has made a verbal commitment to play Division I lacrosse at Lafayette College

Amelie Yeager log:

Amelie Yeager

High school: Radnor High School

Graduation year: 2012

Position: Attack

College choice: Lafayette College

Club affiliation: Ultimate Goal Lacrosse

Major lacrosse honors: Member of team that shared Central League championship in 2011.

What will you major in/study: English, International Affairs, or Communications

Why did you choose school? “I chose Lafayette because of its prestigious academic reputation and competitive athletic environment.
I’ve known Coach (Allison) Fisher (Hatboro-Horsham grad and Ultiumate Goal club coach) for a long time and her passion and love for the sport really helped solidify my decision to pursue Lafayette. Her positive attitude and continuous dedication to helping me succeed are qualities that are very rare.

“Also, I wanted a school that was close enough so my family could travel easily and see my games, but far enough away so I could establish myself on my own. With Lafayette, I get the best of both worlds. When I went on my official visit, the girls were so welcoming and close that I immediately knew this was the school and team I had to be a part of.”

Outlook for your high school team: “Last year, having lost 10 starters the previous year, we did exceptionally well and proved to everyone that we were still a major threat. We had a few tough losses that definitely rattled the team, but ended up sharing the Central League title and going on to the second round of playoffs. This year, with 9 starting seniors and an ever-present desire to win, we fully expect to win States, and no less.”

Other comments: “Firstly, I would like to thank Michele DeJuliis, one of my Ultimate coaches, who has continuously supported me and been my advocate throughout this entire process. I’d also like to thank my head coach, Brooke Fritz, who never gave up on me and continues to push me to be my best. Lastly, thank you to my family, for your unyielding support and love throughout everything.”

By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 11/10/11

Radnor senior attackman Rob Dewey has made a commitment to play Division I lacrosse at Ursinus College

Rob Dewey log:

Rob Dewey

High School: Radnor High School

Graduation Year: 2012

Position: Attack

College Choice: Ursinus College

What will you major in/study? Either business or exercise science.

Why did you choose school? “Ursinus is a great fit for me. It is close to home but has that far away feel to it. I fell in love with the campus the first time I visited and when I came back for my overnight and was able to meet the team. I knew that I could see myself fitting in with this group of guys. I’ve heard great things about Coach (Jamie) Steele and his staff and I felt he would be a great mentor for me in my next four years.”

What is your HS team’s outlook for next year? “Last year we were a very young team with a tough schedule and I only see great things happening this year. With our entire defensive unit coming back we will be a tough team to score on, and our offense is going to be great with only losing two of our starting seniors from last year. I can see Radnor competing for the Central League Championship.”

Other comments: “I would like to thank my High School Coach, John Begier, for helping me through the recruitment process and through my high school career. I also like to thank my youth lacrosse coach, Michael Cortese, for introducing me to the game and teaching me everything he knew.”

By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 11/5/11

Radnor attack Sara Curley said she wanted to work on her confidence after admittedly playing somewhat tentatively as a freshman starter last year.

Today’s showing at the Philly Girls Showcase at Westtown School should definitely help.

North Penn junior Lauren Green (right), seen her during morning session play playing defense vs. West Chester East freshman Holly Hager, was later named MVP of the 2012/2013 All-Star Game

Curley was named MVP of the morning session for the Classes of 2014 and 2015 and then followed that up by scoring five goals and earning Game MVP honors in the DeBeer Fab 40 game, helping the White Team defeat the Black Team, 11-9. The MVPs were picked by Phillylacrosse.com and ESPNHS.

In the Class of 2012/2013 deBeer Fab 40 game, North Penn junior Lauren Green scored her fourth goal of the game with one second to play, giving the Black a 9-8 victory over the White. (Click here for game summaries)

The second annual event drew coaches from 37 colleges as nearly 200 girls from the Philly region and beyond competed in one of the season’s top girls’ individual recruiting events. The event also featured a skills clinic taught by college coaches after the morning session.

Curley, who came to the Philly Showcase for the second time, said the experience this time should make a big difference when she reports for practice in the spring.

“I started for most of the season last year, but I didn’t have the confidence (that I wanted),” she said. “I was a freshman (on a team that had won two straight state championships) and I was just scared.

“I felt I had opportunities to take shots that I could (make), but I would pass to my older teammates. I am trying to tell myself I have more confidence so I can make a difference.”

Curley said the best part of the Philly Showcase is learning to play with new teammates in a short period of time. Each player is placed on a team of about 19 girls for three morning games and the top players are selected by the coaches to compete in the DeBeer Fab 40 games.

“Today was really fun overall and the coolest thing about it is you’re playing with people you don’t know,” Curley said. “It’s cool to make connections. You get to know other people by just playing with them on the field.

“I came last year so I felt this year I knew what I was getting into. I was more comfortable. As the day goes on, you get a feel for your teammates and you settle down and things come together.”

Things also came together for Green, who tallied the first two goals of the game for the Blue in the 2012/2013 Fab 40 Game and later won it by sprinting to goal and firing just as the horn sounded.

“I heard him counting down so I said, ‘Oh my gosh,’ and I sprinted,” she said. “It was a scary feeling but it was good.”

Green said she was aware of the college coaches at the start, but forgot about them as the games began.

“I was so nervous at the beginning,” she said. “I was looking around for (coaches) and I couldn’t find any. I knew it was a coach if they had a binder. But I was here to have fun and I gave it all I had.

“Coming in, I wanted to learn new skills, especially stick skills. I definitely feel I achieved those goals. This helped me realize what I needed to work on. You had to step it up. There were amazing girls playing today and you had to work hard.”

By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 9/29/11

Radnor senior defender Molly Samson has committed to play Division III lacrosse at Franklin & Marshall.

Molly Samson log:

Molly Samson

Position: Defense

College Choice: Franklin and Marshall

Club Affiliation: SEPA

Major Lacrosse Honors: Member of 2009 and 2010 state championship teams; National Tournament team 2 junior year; US Lacrosse Academic All-American, 2011

Academic Honors: National Honor Society, Distinguished Honor Roll, US Lacrosse All Academic

Why did you choose school: “I chose Franklin and Marshall because I knew I would love the school with or without lacrosse. Coach (Lauren) Paul and all the girls on the team only made my decision easier. I love the balance between academics and athletics. The campus is beautiful and I love the atmosphere of a small liberal arts college.”

What are your expectations for the 2012 high school season? “My expectations are to be a contender for the state title. I expect nothing less of my team and Radnor lacrosse. We are losing a few key players but we are all ready to step it up.”

Other comments: “I would like to thank my coaches, Brooke Fritz, Phylis Kilgour, Erin Zimmerman, Deb Sloane, and Peter Samson. They have taught me so much about the game of lacrosse and have helped me so much through this process. I would never be where I am today without their help. I would also like to thank my parents, Peter and Lynne Samson, and my siblings, Katie, Brian, and David, for introducing me to the sport of lacrosse and constantly supporting me.”

Other info: Samson is the younger sister of Katie Samson, whose spirit has been the focus of the annual Katie Samson Lacrosse Festival, which enters its 12th year next April. The event is annually the largest single-day tournament im the nation and raises money for research and development for spinal cord injuries.