Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/29/23 – From Staff Report
Cardinal O’Hara’s boys’ lacrosse team won one game in 2021 and three games last year. Now, after today’s 8-7 win over visiting Conwell-Egan in their Catholic League opener, the Lions (3-2) have equaled last year’s win total and are optimistic for the 2023 campaign.
O’Hara senior Luke Melito tallied the game-winner with 5 minutes to play and Nick Hanna (9 saves) made a key stop with 5.6 seconds left to preserve the victory.
“We were moving the ball around and I saw I had a matchup so I made a split dodge and beat him (his defender) down the ally,” said Melito on the game-winner, “and I saw the open shot and took it.”
Melito said O’Hara has begun to mature under the guidance of second-year coach Jim DiBattista.
“I think the cause of the turnaround was created from all our players really buying in this year and working hard,” Melito said. “Every practice we’re getting better and pushing each other to become better players.”
Dillon DiBattista and Ryan Crowley led O’Hara with three goals each while Mike Kutufatis had a goal, 10 groundballs, and won 5 of 7 faceoffs. Joe Gillin had eight groundballs.
“Nick Hanna had a great game and definitely came up huge,” said Melito. “Also, everyone played hard on both ends of the field. it was a great team win and effort.
“Our goals this year are to just keep getting better and become a top contender in the PCL,” Melito said. “We just have to keep working hard and continue to bring it to every game this year.”
