Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/9/11
Staff Report
Host Downingtown West defeated Avon Grove, 6-5, today in the continuation of a Ches-Mont League first-place showdown that was suspended late in the game Friday due to lightning.
The finish lasted just 4 minutes and 56 seconds today as the Whippets took a major step toward their first-ever outright league title. Downingtown West (15-1 overall) improved to 9-0 in the league. Avon Grove fell to 7-2 in the league and 12-2 overall. Downingtown East later fell to 7-2 with an overtime loss to Bishop Shanahan.
The Whippets – who tied with Downingtown East for the crown last year when they won their first title – can claim the title outright Tuesday with a win at Bayard Rustin or a victory over West Chester East on Thursday at home.
Today’s continuation saw Downingtown West – leading 6-5 when the game re-started – possess the ball much of the time. Avon Grove got one weak shot on Dustin Keen (13 saves).
“It feels good knowing we beat the strongest teams in the division,” said Whippets junior midfielder Eric Rankel, whose squad recently defeated last year’s co-champion Downingtown East, 11-4. “In the locker room we stayed together and prepared the same way we did Friday.
“We went over everything for 40 minutes to play a 5-minute game.”
Dylan Ikkala had two goals for Downingtown West, which led, 4-3, at halftime and 6-3 after three periods. Brad Shenberger had a goal and an assist and Jim Sharer, Matt Logan and Tyler McWilliams also scored.
Damian Sobieski led the Devils with two goals, while Tanner Peck had a goal and an assist and Matthew King and Eric Waibel each had a goal.
“We just had to practice for every possible situation and stay focused,” said Ikkala. We wanted to possess the ball and keep it out of their hands as much as we could.”
Ikkala said his team will not let down for the final two games.
“We know any team can play good on any day,” he said. “We have to keep focused and finish out the season.”
Downingtown West 6, Avon Grove 5
Downingtown West 1-3-2-0-6
Avon Grove 1-2-0-2-5
Downingtown West
Dykan Ikkala 2g
Zach Logan 2a
Brad Shenberger 1g, 1a
Tyler McWilliams 1g
Jim Sharer 1g
Matt Logan 1g
Dustin Keen – 13 saves
Avon Grove
Damian Sobieski 2g
Tanner Peck 1g, 1a
Matthew King 1g
Eric Waibel 1g
Tommy Malone – 9 saves
