Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 7/14/09
La Salle, Conestoga and Haverford School have advanced to the second round of the inaugural LaxPower National Online Lacrosse Tournament (NOLT).
La Salle, the two-time Pennsylvania state champion, opened with a victory over Louisiana state champion Loyola-Shreveport. Conestoga, the state runner-up this year, toppled Idaho state champion Timberline. Haverford School, the Inter-Ac league co-champion, handled Delaware champion Salesianum.
The LaxPower NOLT is the first virtual national tournament. The field of 64 was chosen by taking the nation’s state champions as well as the next highest rated teams in the LaxPower Power Rankings. The winners of the games are determined equally by the computer Power Rankings and votes from the LaxPower panel of four “experts,” three of which are from the Philadelphia area.
In the second round, La Salle (21-4 in 2009) will face Colorado champion Arapahoe. The Explorers defeated visiting Arapahoe, 9-7, on March 23 in the second game of their season.
Conestoga (24-2) faces a stern test in California champion St. Ignatius Prep (21-1). Haverford School (16-8) also has a major challenge in New York Catholic League champion St. Anthony’s (16-2).
Recaps of First Round
Group 1
(7) Haverford School Fords (PA) 99.00 defeats
(10) Salesianum Sallies (DE) 97.55
George Baldassare: Haverford School – Fords win by a couple.
Brett Manney: Haverford School – Great goaltending cannot save the Delaware state champions.
Eris Smith: Haverford School – If they were the Chryslers or the GMs, I wouldn’t have faith. But the Fords keep on trucking.
Ryan Rohde: Haverford School – The Fords have too much depth for the Sallies.
Computer: Haverford School
Group 2
(2) Conestoga Pioneers (PA) 99.68 defeats
(15) Timberline Wolves (ID) 89.10
GB: Conestoga – Big win for Conestoga.
BM: Conestoga – Great mix of steady seniors and talented underclassman lead the Pioneers.
ES: Conestoga – The Pioneers shocked many with their great season, but it’s no shock they’re a winner here.
RR: Conestoga – The Wolves have not seen a team this year like the Pioneers.
Computer: Conestoga
Group 3
(1) LaSalle College HS Explorers (PA) 99.80 defeats
(16) Loyola-Shreveport Flyers (LA) 87.00
GB: LaSalle – No contest.
BM: LaSalle – Flyers get tough first-round draw.
ES: LaSalle – The Flyers might not even score on that great defense.
RR: La Salle – The Explorer defense shuts down the Flyers.
Computer: LaSalle
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