Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/12/10

The Haverford School fell to West Islip (N.Y.) in the championship game of the second LaxPower National Online Tournament (NOLT), a virtual tourney involving the top 64 boys’ teams based on their 2010 seasons.

LaxPower’s panel of four experts along with the LaxPower computer combined to pick the winners of each game overt the past 16 days. In Wednesday’s finals, all five picks went to defending NOLT championWest Islip – but most of the scorers were very close.

To catch up, see the link above for the opening brackets and more explanation. You can also review the first round, second round, Sweet 16, Elite 8, and Final Four results.

LaxPower writer Brett Manney cited the West Islip coaching, All-American Nick Galasso and team depth for picking the Lions.

“The Lions are loaded with scorers, including a solid group of junior midfielders,” said Manney, who predicted a 12-9 West Islip win. “Haverford School has great talent as well and probably will be ranked in the preseason top three in the country next year. But this is the Lions’ year.”

LaxPower’s Ryan Rohde picked West Islip by a 10-9 score.

“West Islip is a team that just knows how to win,” Rohde said. “I think Haverford might have a hard time matching the physical play of the Lions. The Fords hang close all game with their depth at midfield and great goalie play from Conor Kelly, but it’s not enough.”

Tags: Haverford School