By Michael Sorenson
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 4/21/12

In a boys’ lacrosse content today that meant a lot more to those involved than just any average game on the schedule, host La Salle used an early 5-0 run to earn an 11-6 victory over DeMatha (D.C.) in the second annual Fallen Heroes Lacrosse Game.

The game honored the memory of 1st Lt. Travis Manion, USMC, a 1999 La Salle alum; and his best friend LT (SEAL) Brendan Looney, a DeMatha grad. The best friends were killed
killed fighting the war on terror in the Middle East.

“There’s bigger things in life besides wins and losses,” said DeMatha coach Scott Morrison. “We complain and gripe about hard practices, and playing in the rain and in the winter, missing ground balls, and losses and wins, but at the end of the day there’s another level of things out there that are more important.”

DeMatha (6-7) came out hot, taking a 2-0 first-quarter edge on goals by Steve Partlow and Jimmy Rogers. However, La Salle was buoyed by a stretch of five unanswered tallies to take the lead for good.

Adam Stefanowicz led the Explorers (7-3) with three goals and four assists while Brian McNamara had two goals and an assist and Adam Schaal scored twice. Standout Matt Rambo dished three assists vs. constant defensive pressure.

“Honestly, we just prepared well,” said Stefanowicz. “We knew about this game all week, we knew it had a huge meaning to it with Travis and Brendan, and we really just stuck to doing what we do well.”

DeMatha got as close at 9-6 in the third period, but La Salle tallied the game’s final three goals.

Corey Shaffer (six saves) held DeMatha scoreless in both the second and fourth quarters. Despite the loss, DeMatha goaltender Nick Ramsey played well, making 12 saves.

La Salle dominated at the face-off X, winning 15 of 21 draws.

After the game, the event’s sponsor, Adrenaline, presented one player from each team with the Mannion-Looney Adrenaline Heart Award. The award was given to the players who, as determined by their coaches, best exemplified spirit and teamwork. The recipients were McNamara of La Salle and Michael Parker of DeMatha. Adrrenaline outfitted both players with full gear.

La Salle travels to Father Judge on Tuesday. DeMatha returns home to take on Paul VI, also on Tuesday.

NOTES – La Salle coach Bill Leahy said Rambo’s presence opens up many offensive chances for the Explorers: “We’ve got the hang of this by now, we’re used to having Matt shut off. He sets picks, he distributes the ball, he had a great day; he didn’t score a lot but he did everything else right.”

La Salle 11, De Matha 6

DeMatha – 2-0-4-0 – 6
LaSalle – 0-4-5-2 – 11

DeMatha
Steve Partlow – 2g, 1a
Jimmy Rogers – 2g
Michael Parker – 2a
Sean Doyle – 1g
Danny Wallace – 1g
Brady Thompson – 1a
Nick Ramsey – 12sv

La Salle
Adam Stefanowicz – 3g, 4a
Brian McNamara – 2g, 1a
Matt Rambo – 3a
Adam Schaal – 2g
Sean Coleman – 2a
Pete Auteri – 1g
Stephen Hudak – 1g
Michael Rihm – 1g
Casey Shaffer – 6sv

Faceoffs
DeMatha – 6
La Salle – 15

Tags: La Salle