Chase Growney had two goals and an assist as Episcopal Academy defeated Malvern Prep tonight in the semifinals of the Inter-Ac League Invitational Tournament at Cabrini College.
Third-seeded EA (16-5) advances to the championship game Wednesday at Cabrini against Haverford School, which downed Lawrenceville School, 11-5. Malvern Prep, the No. 2 seed, closes at 13-8.
Growney, the STX Game MVP, scored both of his goals in the third period after the teams played to a 2-2 halftime tie. The Churchmen seized a 5-3 lead on a goal by Gerry Smith early in the fourth period and the Friars drew within 5-3 on Bobby Hill’s third goal of the game midway through the frame.
Tyler Odell and Tyler Olsen also scored in the first half for the Churchmen and Ryan Creighton had a goal and an assist for the Friars. Tyler Morrell was strong in the cage with a number of key saves and EA held its own against Malvern’s standout junior face-off man, Drew Kennedy.
“It’s a huge victory, we split with them early in the season so to beat them in this means a lot,” said Growney. “We were trying to limit their shots and on offense we wanted to possess the ball. Malvern is known for possessing the ball.
“We wanted to take our time on offense and when we get a chance try to capitalize. We didn’t want to force anything.”
Growney is excited about getting a third shot at Haverford School, which handled the Churchmen twice during the regular season.
“It gives us a chance to get (another shot) after losing to Haverford twice and missing out on a chance at the Inter-Ac title,” he said.
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