Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/6/23 – Staff Report
Salesianum School junior LSM Braeden Korb said it was the type of goal every lacrosse player dreams about.
The Lehigh commit took a feed from Chase Black, turned and drilled one home for the game-winner in overtime today as host Salesianum School defeated Malvern Prep, 10-9, in Wilmington.
The win for the two-time defending state champion Sals was their first ever over the Friars, though there have been close games. Sallies, ranked No 12 by Phillylacrosse.com, improved to 9-3; No. 3 Malvern is 11-7.
“It feels great to finally beat such a big rival,” said Korb. “After losing to them the past two years and knowing how it feels to lose such a close game, it is a great accomplishment. All the hard work has finally paid off and it was a great win for the program.
“Chase (pass it to) me and I turned around and ripped it top left. There is truly no better feeling for an athlete than scoring a game-winning goal. Especially in such an important game for the team and to be the one that finished it off is awesome. I bet every athlete has always dreamt about being in this place.”
Goaltender Cam Taylor posted 21 saves for Salesianum in a standout performance while Luca Pompeii had three goals and an assist and Black and Ryan Cunningham each had two goals and an assist.
A.J. Nikolic had sent the game into overtime with his fourth goal of the game with 19 seconds left in regulation, finishing a strong comeback by the Friars. Michael Ortlieb added two goals for Malvern.
Salesianum School – which toppled state rival Cape Henlopen, 10-6, earlier in the week – is again the favorite the win the Delaware state title. The Sals have been ravaged by injuries this year on their attack, but Korb is confident the team has meshed.
“With losing four elite starters, we knew we had to adapt to these changes and play the lacrosse we know how to play,” said Korb. “We had to come together and learn what was efficient for this new group.
“With most of our injuries being on offense the defense has pushed everyone to be their best. We have come together and now we are beating Top 25 teams in the country. It shows that we aren’t just teammates, but we are a family.”
Salesianum School 10, Malvern Prep 9, OT
Salesianum
Luca Pompeii- 3 goals-1assist
Chase Black- 2 goals 1assist
Ryan Cunningham-2 goals 1assist
Rowyn Nurry- 1 goal 2assist
Braeden Korb-1 goal OT winner
Aiden Rupp- 1 goal
Eliot Dotson 1 assist
Cam Taylor 21 saves
Malvern Prep
AJ Nikolic 4g
Michael Ortlieb 2g
Ennis Udo 1g
Dylan O’Connor 1g
Owen Mears 1g
Chris Rabena 4 saves
