Boys’ lacrosse: Salesianum School downs St. Ignatius Prep, 8-7, to complete California sweep

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 4/24/14
Staff Report

Host Salesianum School completed a sweep of two California powers today when it defeated visiting St. Ignatius Prep, 8-7.

The Sals (7-1) had defeated La Costa Canyon, 10-8, just 12 days ago.

Jason Kelly (St. Joseph’s signee) scored three goals and had the game-winner with 7:16 to play for the Sals. Also, junior Ryan Kern (Navy) made 17 saves.

St. Ignatius (10-5) – last year’s West Catholic Athletic League Champion and nationally-ranked most of the year – also played Virginia’s St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes on Tuesday and suffered a 16-6 defeat.

“St. Ignatius was well-coached and very athletic and we were fortunate enough to get the win,” said Saliesianum School coach Bobby Healy. “Our guys buckled down and played hard when we needed to.”

Mike Drake added two goals and Sam Fink and AJ Witherell each had a goal and an assist for Salesianum. Luke Bianchino scored once.

Finn Barry and Pat Brosnan, who each scored twice, had tied the game, 7-7, with goals in the fourth period.

St. Ignatius coach Chris Packard was pleased with his team’s performance despite the loss. He said his Wildcats did not play well against St. Stephen’s.

‘We were hungry today after getting beaten on Tuesday like that,” he said. “We contested everything, we did better on the 50-50s.

“We were down 4-1 and went to a zone to slow things down, our goalie (Cyrus Scott, Colgate signee) made some saves and we got it close. It was nip and tuck throughout the second half.”

Packard enjoyed playing the East Coast teams.

“They’re a good team, well coached, skilled and athletic,” he said. “They come after you in a lot of ways.

“It was a fun game and we had nothing to hang our heads about.

Salesianum School 8, St. Ignatius Prep 7

Salesianum School 4-2-1-1- 8
St. Ignatius Prep 1-3-2-1- 7

Salesianum School
Jason Kelly 3g
Mike Drake 2g
Sam Fink 1g, 1a
AJ Witherell 1g, 1a
Luke Bianchino 1g
Bailey Martin 1a
Mike Sanzone 1a
Ryan Kern 17 saves

St. Ignatius Prep
Pat Brosnan 2g
Finn Barry 2g
Clayton Read 1g
Joe Lang 2g
Cyrus Scott 9 saves