By: Dan McCarty
SPRINGFIELD --Philadelphia Catholic League (PCL) lacrosse is well underway for the 2021 spring season. It has been far from conventional with so many COVID-19 policies in place and not always knowing what to expect from day-to-day. Nevertheless, teams are taking it one day at a time and making the best of it both on and off the field.
This past Wednesday, The Cardinal O’Hara Lions hosted the Devon Prep Tide. It turned out to be quite a day for Devon’s offense as it ultimately dominated O’Hara securing an 18-3 victory.
O’Hara remains defending District 12 champion as it achieved that title in 2019. The Tide dropped a tough decision to the Lions that year and so this was an opportunity for sweet revenge.
“We knew that O’Hara had a very successful season two years ago,” said Devon Prep head coach Mark Consolo. “They beat us pretty good that year.”
Cardinal O'Hara vs. Devon Prep Highlights
This victory would not be possible without a strong defense, goalkeeper and face-offs to back it up. More important than the outcome, however, was just being able to compete and having fun doing so.
“It feels great,” said Devon Prep senior Joseph Koroly. “We weren’t sure if we were going to have a season.”
Being back on the field is especially fortunate for the seniors as they did not know if they would have the chance to play during their final year of high school.
“For me to be a senior, personally, it feels like a blessing just to be out here with the boys doing what we do,” said O’Hara senior goalkeeper Christian Donato.
Devon Prep senior Joe Koroly is happy to be back on the field with his team.
O'Hara senior Chris Donato feels blessed to have this season.
Senior Brett Shoman found the net for the Lions 17 seconds into the action. Forty-nine seconds later Devon Prep's Dan Brown tied the game and just 50 seconds after that, junior Tyler Kenneson gave the Tide a permanent advantage. Brown, Kenneson and senior Nadir Bryant kept the pressure on and Devon held a 6-1 surplus after the first quarter.
Freshman Nick D’Alessandro and Koroly contributed during the second quarter paving the way for a halftime score of 12-2. Freshman Dillon Dibattista added a goal for O’Hara.
Sophomore Xavier Tran registered an O’Hara goal early in the new half, but the Tide kept its composure to secure the win.
Our coaching staff was very pleased with how the team played together all four quarters,” said Consolo. “I think our goalie, defense and face-off play contributed to our offense having so many opportunities. They cashed in on them.”
Donato led the way for the Lions’ defense in this crucial match.
Cardinal O'Hara vs. Devon Prep
Moving on, O’Hara has a lot to look forward to such as enjoying the year together, winning as much as possible, growing every day and getting better overall.
“Our goal is to get back to the District 12 championship and I think we’re going to reach it,” said Donato.
Devon’s main goals for this season are to do its best and have fun as a team.
“We look forward to finishing this season off strong and just being happy with everyone’s performance,” said Koroly.
Devon Prep: Dan Brown 7G, Tyler Kenneson 3G, 3A, Declan Thompson 3G, Joe Koroly 2G, 1A, Nadir Bryant 1G, Niko D'Allesandro 1G, Michael Washington 1G.