This is one of a regular-day series of boys’/men’s and girls’/women’s stories looking back on this date in lacrosse history)
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/26/20
5/26/09 – Conestoga puts first-round victory into perspective as it supports teammate and former player diagnosed with cancer
By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/26/09
The Conestoga boys’ lacrosse team has learned to put lacrosse in its proper perspective in recent weeks.
Sure, winning the first District 1 lacrosse championship Friday and being ranked in the country nearly all season have moved the Pioneers into the limelight. But there are things more important than lacrosse; even much more important than Conestoga’s 13-7 first-round win over Garnet Valley tonight in the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) playoffs at Radnor.
Recently it was learned that Pioneer junior Brad Herzlich’s older brother, Mark Herzlich, a junior football star at Boston College, was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, a malignant cancer found in the bone or soft tissue.
Mark Herzlich, a former Pioneer lacrosse standout who has been projected as a possible first-round NFL draft pick, began taking chemotherapy at nearby Penn Medicine in Radnor a week ago.
5/26/09 – Emmaus tops Lower Merion, 7-5, in PIAA first-round game
By Scott Johnston
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/26/09
Prior to the start of the 2009 boys lacrosse season, Emmaus coach Jef Hewlings was quoted as saying that “this is the team that on paper should break through and win a state playoff game.”
Mission accomplished.
Junior attackman Will Scott scored a hat trick and senior goaltender Dan Zagnoli came up with a number of key saves in the second half, as District 11 champ Emmaus (19-4) defeated Lower Merion, District 1’s fifth-place team, 7-5, in the opening round of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) state playoffs at J. Birney Crum Stadium in Allentown.
“Every day we make history and sometimes it’s good history and sometimes it’s bad, but it feels good to get that monkey off the program’s back,” said Hewlings of the program’s first-ever win in the state playoffs. “I don’t think we did it in grand style and I don’t think we played particularly well, but when you play good teams that happens.”
5/26/09 – Downingtown East is on the Marcks as late flurry sparks 5-2 victory over West Chester East in first round
By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/26/09
Downingtown East was clearly in need of a spark.
And Kyle Marcks provided it.
Marks scored two goals in a 38-second span int eh fourth quarter to help the Cougars defeat West Chester East, 5-2, tonight in a first-round Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) playoff at Radnor.
The win vaults the District 1 runner-up into Saturday’s quarterfinals against the state’s top-ranked team, La Salle, which defeated Central Bucks East, 13-8.
5/26/09 – Commentary: A view on the first PIAA tourney and kudos to a classy showing by St. Joseph’s Prep
By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/26/09
Today the first Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) tournament gets underway with eight first-round games for both the boys’ and girls’ tournaments. Lacrosse fans have anxiously awaited this tourney since it was announced in the spring of 2008 that the PIAA was starting it two years earlier than expected.
No doubt, the coming of the state tournament has generated tremendous discussion in the Philly lacrosse scene. Some from the boys’ side are disappointed that the Inter-Ac League teams cannot compete as they had previously when the Pennsylvania Scholastic Lacrosse Associations run a fantastic state tournament – the last ”true” state tourney in any sport.
But since the Inter-Ac is not a member of the PIAA, Haverford School, Malvern Prep and Episcopal Academy – the loop’s top teams this year – cannot shoot for state gold. Surely, it would have been nice to see how these teams would have fared this year.
On the girls’ side, the state tourney is most welcome for all. In the past, the District 1 champions were crowned “unofficial” state champions because most followers agree that nearly all the top teams come from District 1.
5/26/10 – Walters OT goal lifts Haverford School past EA, 7-6, in Inter-Ac Invitational finals
By Buddy Scott & Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/26/10
Matt Walters scored on a wrap-around goal with 52 seconds left in overtime tonight to lift Haverford School to a thrilling 7-6 victory over Episcopal Academy in the Inter-Ac League Invitational championship game
The goal capped a brilliant rally by the top-seeded Fords (20-4), who trailed, 6-4, after three periods and tied it on a goal by Brendan McGrath (two goals) with 1:23 left in regulation.
Haverford School owned the ball in the final period and in overtime thanks to the work at the face-off X by Liam O’Connor. Walters tallied the game-winner after coming around the back of the cage and beating Tyler Morrell, who had kept his team ahead most of the way with 11 saves.
“It was a split dodge from the top of the key and I went low with the shot,” said Walters, a junior who has committed to Syracuse. “(Winning) is just awesome.”
5/26/10 – District 1 boys’ semifinals: Venit goal in 4th OT lifts Springfield-Delco into title game
By Russ Atkinson
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/26/10
Junior attackman Joe Venit scored his second goal of the game with three minutes and one second left in the fourth overtime Tuesday to give Springfield-Delco a thrilling 7-6 triumph over Garnet Valley in the District 1 semifinals at Ridley.
The victory advanced the top-seeded Cougars (19-1) into the championship game against Central League rival Conestoga Thursday at Radnor at 8 p.m. Conestoga topped Abington, 13-5, in the other semifinal. During the regular season, Springfield defeated the Pioneers, 4-3, in overtime and went on to win the Central League crown.
Garnet Valley (16-5), the fifth seed, will play Abington for the District’s third spot in the upcoming Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) tournament Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at Lower Merion. The early time was granted due to Abington’s Prom.
“The whole team really played hard together,” said Venit. “We have good team offense, and we kept firing until we won. We are are in for a dog fight on Thursday against Conestoga….we gotta get back to work.”
5/26/11 – Catholic League boys’ championship: St. Joseph’s Prep breaks streak, beats La Salle 8-6
By Mike Prince
Phillylacrosse.com, 5/26/11
Junior midfielder Blaine Fleming scored three goals for St. Joseph’s Prep as the Hawks ended years of frustration by defeating La Salle, 8-6, today at Cardinal O’Hara, to claim their first Philadelphia Catholic League boys’ lacrosse championship since 2003.
The win vaulted the Hawks (16-4) into the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) tournament as the lone team from District 12. La Salle, which won state titles in 2004, 2008 and 2009 and lost in the finals to Conestoga in 2010, finished its season with an overall record of 14-6.
The Explorers had defeated the Prep 14 consecutive times, including an 11-10 triumph earlier this year. Seven of those 14 La Salle wins came in the PCL title game, as Thursday marked the first time since 2003 that any team other than the Explorers were crowned as league champs.
5/26/11 – MVP Walrath: ‘I saw 10 seconds were left and I just needed to go to the goal’
By Warren B. Scott
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/26/11
Carl Walrath said he knew he had little time to make his move Wednesday night when he received the ball behind the cage with just over 10 seconds remaining in the Inter-Ac Invitational championship game and the scored tied, 4-4 with Malvern Pep.
“Joe (McCallion) did a great job winning the face-off,” said the Haverford School senior. “I saw 10 seconds were left and I just needed to go to the goal.
“I expected the double team so I shot it before they slid to me.”
Walrath’s wrap-around tally with 9.8 seconds to play in regulation gave the Fords a breathtaking 5-4 triumph over the Friars. The victory gave Haverford School its third straight Inter-Ac Invitational crown and closed out a brilliant 23-0 season – one that surely will give them the No. 1 ranking in each of the national polls and the right to call themselves national champions.
5/26/12 – NCAA Division I semifinals: Philly’s Blye, Forster, Amato, Murray help Maryland whip Duke, 16-10, to reach title game again
Phillylacrosse.com, posted 5/26/12
From Press Releases and Staff Reports
Four Philly grads played major roles and senior Drew Snider scored four goals to lead the Maryland men’s lacrosse team to its second straight NCAA title game with a 16-10 victory over No. 3 seed Duke in the semifinals tonight at Gillette Stadium.
The Terps (12-5) will play No. 1 seed Loyola on Mon.day at 1 p.m. for the NCAA championship, their second straight trip to the finals. The Greyhounds advanced to the title game with a 7-5 victory over No. 4 seed Notre Dame in the first semifinal. The Blue Devils finish their season with a 15-5 record.
Owen Blye (Downingtown East) scored three goals and freshman Kevin Forster (La Salle) scored twice and added an assist to lead the attack. On defense, freshman Goran Murray (Haverford School) was a standout and goalie Niko Amato (La Salle) made 10 saves to help the Terps lead from start to finish.
5/26/13 – Salesianum School wins third straight Delaware boys’ state championship
By David A. Willauer, Contributing Writer
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/26/13
Jason Kelly scored five goals and Troy Reeder had four tallies as Salesianum School routed Caesar Rodney, 18-4, Saturday at Appoquinimink High to win its third straight Delaware State Boys’ Lacrosse championship.
The Sals (17-2) extended their in-state win streak to 39 by leading from start to finish and dominating in all areas of the game.
Colby Reeder was a force at the face-off X as Salesianum finished the year with 15 straight wins after dropping games only to Inter-Ac League champion Malvern Prep (9-5) and DC IAC champion St. Stephen’s & St Agnes (4-2).
Some of the Sals’ big out-of-state wins came over Georgetown Prep (MD), LaCosta Canyon (CA), Shawnee (N.J.) and St. Augustine Prep (N.J.).
5/26/14 – Philly hero Wolf leads Duke to back-to-back NCAA championships in 11-9 win over Notre Dame
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/26/14
By David A. Willauer and From Press Release
BALTIMORE – Senior attacker Jordan Wolf (Lower Merion/ Duke’s L.C.) tallied two goals and four assists and the Blue Devil defense held off a fourth quarter charge by Notre Dame to lead Duke to its second consecutive NCAA Men’s Lacrosse National Championship with an 11-9 victory over the Irish at M&T Bank. The national championship is the third for the Blue Devil program.
Under the direction of head coach John Danowski, Duke became the first team to win back-to-back titles since Syracuse accomplished the feat in 2008 and 2009. Wolf was named the NCAA Championship Most Outstanding Player. Deemer Class, Will Haus, Myles Jones, Kyle Keenan and Henry Lobb (Malvern Prep) joined him on the NCAA All-Tournament Team.
Wolf, who had a hand in each of the Blue Devils’ final five goals, led all scorers in the contest with six points. Junior Kyle Keenan and sophomores Deemer Class and Myles Jones also had two goals apiece while senior Brendan Fowler went 13-of-22 at the faceoff X to help seal the win.
5/26/16 – .@UDcardsLax downs Avon Grove, 12-7, for first District 1 title
By Teddy Bailey (@TheTeddyBailey)
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/26/16
Upper Dublin entered the district playoffs with just two regular season blemishes against Springfield and Avon Grove.
The Cardinals, playing in a Suburban One League more known for its football than its lacrosse, outscored opponents 371-77 this season.
Upper Dublin celebrates the District 1 championship
Both head coach Dave Sowers and his standout son, Michael, heard the criticism surrounding Upper Dublin’s schedule.
After avenging their loss to Springfield-Delco in the district semifinals, the Cardinals were able to silence the skepticism for good against Avon Grove in the title game.
5/26/17 – Defense, goaltending lead @sprlax to 4-3 win over Henderson for District 1 AA title
By Matt Chandik
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/26/17
Anthony DiVario hasn’t been at the peak of his physical health since midway through Springfield-Delco’s football season.
DiVario slipped a disc in his back at his outside linebacker position, yet continued to play five more weeks. It’s lingered for the Springfield defenseman, and last week, he rolled an ankle in practice. In the District 1 semifinals against Radnor, he rolled his other one. Defensive midfielder Matt Ries is in a similar situation with an ankle sprain.
Nobody feels pain at this time of year, though, at least not until their final loss of the year. Thursday, DiVario and Ries were part of a stingy Springfield (18-3) defense that spearheaded a 4-3 win over West Chester Henderson in the District 1 Class AA championship at West Chester East.
5/26/18 – Salisbury senior DEF Tucker (@DEastBoysLax) named D3 Defensive Player of the Year again
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/26/18
From Press Release
The United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association released the 2018 Division III Men’s Lacrosse All-Americans on Friday morning and Salisbury University had six members recognized by the organization. Senior Kyle Tucker (Downingtown East) led the way, earning the 2018 William C. Stiles Memorial Outstanding Defensive Player award for the second straight season.
Tucker, who was a first team All-American in 2017 as well, has turned in an outstanding senior season, appearing in all 23 games while posting team highs in both groundballs and caused turnovers, recording 95 and 47, respectively. His 47 caused turnovers and average of 2.04 per game rank him in the top 70 in the nation. Tucker has helped anchor a defense that is allowing a goals against average of 7.11, which ranks 23rd in the nation entering championship weekend.
5/26/19 – Be 1-0 today! Cabrini surges past Amherst for NCAA Division III championship
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/26/19
Staff Report
Be 1-0 today.
From the day the Cabrini men’s lacrosse team ended the 2018 season, that has been the mantra.
Today, the Cavaliers lived their words and went 1-0 in the biggest game and on the biggest stage in the history of the program.
The Blue and White rallied to score a 16-12 victory over No. 7 Amherst College to win the University’s first ever NCAA championship in front of a boisterous crowd of nearly 19,000 mostly blue and white clad fans at Lincoln Financial Field. Cabrini closed the 2019 campaign with a program best 22-2 record and a 15-game win streak.
Sophomore Kyle Tucker was named championship game most valuable player after leading the Cavaliers with three goals and an assist. Senior Bill Morgan (Marple Newtown) matched Tucker with three goals.
5/26/19 – Cabrini goalie White (Plymouth Whitemarsh), MF Brooks (@fords_lacrosse) came up big in championship win
By Joseph Santoliquito
For Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/26/19
Riley White’s hair was still wet an hour after he became a national champion. The Cabrini senior goalie and third-team all-American out of Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School was nothing short of sensational in enabling the Cavaliers to win their first Division III national championship.
White made 11 saves in Cabrini’s 16-12 victory over Amherst (18-4) before 18,702 at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday.
White is just one of many Cavaliers who weren’t exactly high recruits coming out of high school.
He’s another example of how Cabrini coach Steve Colfer pieced together a national champion with players primarily from the Philadelphia region.
5/26/19 – Aitken & Moore help Virginia end Duke’s dominance, help push Cavs into NCAA final
By Joe Santoliquito
For Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/26/19
Dox Aitken couldn’t exactly nail down the phrase. But the Virginia standout certainly knew enough about the history the Cavaliers have had against their ACC nemesis Duke. Duke had owned Virginia, to the tune of winning 19 of the last 20 games.
Meeting 21, on the large stage, was different.
Aitken, the former Haverford School star, and Matt Moore, from Garnet Valley, combined to score 5 goals and hand out 3 assists in Virginia’s 13-12 double overtime victory over Duke in the NCAA Tournament semifinals on Saturday before 32,612 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Virginia (16-3) now moves to play defending national champion Yale, a 21-17 winner over No. 1 Penn State, on Monday for the NCAA national championship at 1 p.m. Monday.
5/26/19 – Haverford School grads Sabia & Ament reflect on end of memorable Penn State season
By Joseph Santoliquito
For Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/26/19
They sat there side-by-side, as it always seems they have. Grant Ament and Chris Sabia are lacrosse lifers, starting from their time at Haverford School and ending at Penn State.
Both wished it could have been a better finish.
Yale got out to a 10-1 lead and never looked back in closing an amazing season for the No. 1 Nittany Lions (16-2) in a 21-17 NCAA Tournament semifinal loss before 32,612 at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday.
Yale (15-3) will attempt to win consecutive national titles on Monday when the Bulldogs take on Virginia (16-3), 13-12 double overtime winners over Duke.
Penn State, which is comprised of locals like Sabia, Ament, TJ Malone and John Nostrant of Haverford, Nick Cardile and Braydon Peck, both from Avon Grove, among many others, tries to remember the good that occurred this historic season.
