Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/4/14
Staff Report
It was a special day for The Haverford School lacrosse community.
The host Fords claimed a 15-7 victory today over a strong Central Bucks East squad as Grant Ament had three goals and seven assists. But the big news occurred at halftime when the Fords dedicated their scorer’s table to Kip Taviano, a popular senior member of last year’s team who died in a car accident shortly before his senior graduation last May.
Taviano’s family – parents Jim and Ellen, twin sister, Maggie and sister, Emma – joined the Fords team and other close friends for the dedication. Haverford School coach John Nostrant gave an inspirational speech.
“We knew coach Nostrant was going to do this and that the Tavianos would be there,” said Ament. “We had to put on a good show and come out with a win.”
The Fords – 16-4 and ranked No. 2 by Phillylacrosse.com – broke open a 4-4 game by outscoring the No. 6 Patriots, 6-1, in the second period.
Drew Supinski had three goals and an assist and Dox Aitken and Jeff Odiorne each scored twice.
Ament said the Haverford players have formed a special bond with the Taviano family and that Kip’s father, Jim Taviano, has attended almost every game this year.
“It’s awesome because before every game someone that either worked the hardest in practice or in the previous game gets to carry out Kip’s No. 10 jersey that was retired last year and gets to bring it to the bench,” Ament said. “We know he is always watching us.
“This means so much to us because the Tavianos have given back so much to us so and we are so grateful. Mr. Taviano has been to almost every game just to support us. This is special, especially with how great a kid Kip was and how much he meant to us all.
“It was a touching day for sure. We have a very strong community that embraces everything we do.”
Ament said he and his teammates will attend a special event May 31 when Concord Township and the Brandywine Youth Club will name a lacrosse field in Kip’s honor at the Kip Taviano 10VE Field Celebration Event.
Today’s game had even more meaning for Ament. He was playing against the public school he would have attended if he had not settled on Haverford School.
“I knew this was a huge game for me because I am one of the only kids from my school that went to private school,” he said. “I knew I had to have a big game.
“I told Mr. and Mrs. Taviano that the 10 points were for Kip.”
Matt Schmidt had two goals and an assist for CB East while Matt Vetter scored twice and Sean McGover nmade 14 saves.
Haverford School 15, Central Bucks East 7
Haverford School 4 – 6 – 4 – 1 – 15
CB East 4 – 1 – 0 – 3 – 7
Haverford School
Forry Smith 1g, 1a
Grant Ament 3g, 7a
Dox Aitken 2g
Brandon Shima 1a
Drew Supinski 3g, 1a
Brendan O’Neill 1g
Luke Desperito 1a
Jeff Odiorne 2g
Corey Richards 1g
Jack Appicafuoco 1g
Shane McBride 1g
Alex DeMarco 4 saves
Elliot Avis 2 saves
Logan Atkins 2 saves
CB East
Matt Vetter 2g
Matt Schmidt 2g, 1a
Matt Milici 1g, 2a
Matt Heim 1g
Matt Brown 1g
Sean McGovern 14 saves
