By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 6/12/24
It’s been hard to keep the idea of returning to Penn State out of the minds of Radnor players.
No matter how much their coaches would stress the “one-game-at-time” mentality, after winning three straight PIAA championships the goal was clear for the Raptors in 2024.
“Look, you can’t avoid it,” said Radnor senior All-American defenseman Michael Savadove after his squad won a thrilling 10-9 overtime victory over Garnet Valley Tuesday night at Henderson in the PIAA 3A semifinals. “You have to block out the noise, the (talk of) 4-peat. It’s all about the 40 guys that come to Encke Field every day.
“You wouldn’t believe how hard these guys work. You don’t even say it (state title), everyone’s driven toward that same goal. We’ll do whatever it takes, we’ll sacrifice anything. The guys have done that this year.”
Thanks to Owen Knight’s game-winner, the Raptors (20-5) get their shot at an unprecedented fourth straight PIAA crown Saturday when they meet La Salle at Penn State’s Panzer Stadium at approximately 4:30 p.m. La Salle, which defeated Radnor, 10-9, in overtime on May 4, advanced with a 7-3 win over Springfield-Delco.
It appeared that the path to a fourth consecutive final would not be so difficult for Radnor, which was down, 5-2, at halftime, but held a 9-6 lead late in the game after scoring seven of eight goals, the last two by Knight (four goals).
But suddenly, after scoring just once in 24 minutes, Garnet Valley (21-4) exploded for three goals in 19 incredible seconds to tie the game with 3:42 to play. Luke Mingioni (five goals) had the first two, scoring with 4:01 left in regulation and then 7 seconds later; Ethan Potochar (two goals) tied it 12 seconds later.
The final minutes and first minutes of overtime saw chances for both teams. Garnet Valley goalie Andrew Keaveney was brilliant with 19 saves and Radnor’s John Webb (10) also made key stops to keep it tied.
Knight’s goal came off a feed from Nate Lucchesi on the left wing. Knight didn’t dodge even for a second; he just fired it home.
“Nate dumped it off to me and I just shot it,” he said. “We’ve been playing together so long that we trust each other. We know everything is going to be fine. Now we get a couple more days with the guys.”
“I told the guys when it was 9-6, ‘They’re (the Jaguars) coming,’ they’re hungry,'” said Savadove, noting the Garnet Valley comeback. “It was a credit to them. Their goalie was amazing.
“We got the last stop; that’s just how it works. We’re going to be the team that practices tomorrow. We’re so thankful. We wanted to buy three more days with this team. I love these guys. It’s an awesome feeling.”
Radnor first-year coach Michael Friel had the honor and challenging task of replacing legendary Hall of Famer John Begier as head coach. His joy was clear.
“So much credit to Garnet Valley,” he said of the District 1 champions. “Tons of credit to (coach) Frank (Urso) and all they have done.
“We have relied on our senior class and that’s how we were able to get through this and win it in overtime.”
Urso said his team heard the preseason accounts that said Radnor, Central League co-champion Springfield-Delco and La Salle (ranked No. 1 all year in the PA State Rankings) were the only 3A state contenders.
“I told our guys from the beginning of the season it was Radnor, La Salle, Springfield AND Garnet Valley,” said Urso, whose Jags defeated Springfield to win the District 1 crown. “We had to show that we could beat those three teams. I knew we were in there from the beginning.”
Keaveney was a hero Tuesday, win or lose.
“He’s phenomenal,” said Urso. “He’s done it for us all year.
“At halftime I told our gang that they’re not going to let you walk away with a win. We had to find a way and we had our chances after that comeback. These kids played their hearts out.”
Radnor’s comeback was led by Kessy Cox (four goals) and faceoff work by Carter Mountain (8/14) and Logan Montrella (3/6), who battled All-EPLCA Kai Lopez to a draw. Tucker Graham gave the Raptors their 7-6 lead and Owen Smith scored once while Kucchesi had two assists. Andrew Goldt and Josh Graham each had a goal and an assist for the Jags to key their strong start.
“We never lose confidence no matter what,” said Cox. “We’ve been in so many instances when we were down and came back.”
Cox also said the goal of competing for a state title was hard to deny.
“You can say you don’t (think about it), but of course that’s the end goal, he said. “We worked from Day One to get better one day at a time, and you can say you (don’t think about the stater title), but for everyone in the back of their heads, it’s state chip or dead.
“We work every day to get to this moment. It’s so amazing to be here. We’re going to work the next 3-4 days and be ready to go.”
PIAA 3A semifinals
Radnor 10, Garnet Valley 9, OT
Radnor 2-1-3-3-1=10
Garnet Valley 4-1-1-3-0= 9
Radnor
Kessy Cox 4G 1A
Owen Knight 4G (Game winner)
Nate Lucchesi 2A
Tucker Graham 1G 1A
Owen Smith 1G
Michael Savadove 1A
Harrison Holmes 1A
Carter Mountain 8/14 FO
Logan Montrella. 3/6 FO
John Webb 10 Saves
Garnet Valley
Andrew Goldt 1g, 2a
Kai Lopez 1a
Cameron Woolard 1a
Josh Graham 1g, 1a
Luke Mingioni 5g, 1a
Ethan Potochar 2g
Andrew Keaveney 19 Saves
