skip navigation

INTER-AC BOYS LAX: Two Big Scoring Runs Propel Malvern Prep Past Haverford School

By John Knebels (photos Mike Nance), 04/22/21, 3:45PM EDT

Share

By: John Knebels

Pictures by Mike Nance

HAVERFORD – Haverford School didn’t play poorly, it’s just that Malvern Prep played much better.

Pardon the brief explanation that encompassed the Friars’ 12-4 Inter-Academic League Tuesday afternoon victory over the host Fords. Whenever Haverford earned a chance to score, Malvern’s goalie tandem of senior Chris O’Grady (first half) and junior Joe Doherty (second half) stood tall, combining for 14 saves. When Malvern controlled possession, they usually converted – especially in a six-goal third period barrage. 

“We went into this trying to stay as levelheaded as we could,” said Malvern coach John McEvoy. “There’s always a little aura around Malvern-Haverford game historically. We didn’t play last year.

“There was a small group of guys with varsity experience, a small group of guys who have played a Malvern-Haverford type of game. You have to be cautious about this. This isn’t the Super Bowl.”

The Friars entered the game as the two-time defending champion, having captured the league title in 2018 and 2019. In both of those seasons, Malvern lost the first game against Haverford before ultimately defeating them twice. Unfortunately, like last spring, the Inter-Academic League will not be crowning a champion.

Since most pundits near and far had the two programs as the two best in the area, an eight-goal margin of victory seemed quite unlikely.

“We had more possessions and cashed in on them,” said McEvoy. “That’s how it goes. That’s lacrosse. Once you get on a run, those runs can take on a life of their own.”

The Friars engineered two huge runs. The first supplied them with a 5-1 edge at halftime. In the third, the floodgates opened, and Malvern  enjoyed a commanding 11-3 lead heading into the fourth stanza.

Eight different Friars found pay dirt. Junior Joe Sheridan opened the scoring, and after senior Colin McGill and Eric Spanos connected, Malvern had a quick 3-0 lead. Senior Will Peden, who assisted on the first two goals, made it 4-1, and a short blast by sophomore AJ Nikolic upped the advantage to 5-1.

 

Game highlights -John Knebels

In the third, Nikolic and junior Jack Irish scored two apiece while McGill and senior Nick Potemski also tallied. Junior Brian Ciarlone finished the scoring late in the fourth. For Haverford, sophomore Ryan DiRocco scored twice. Senior Geordy Holmes and sophomore Brendan Leary added one apiece.

“We did a good job in the middle of the field, maintaining possession and getting the ground balls,” said Peden, who finished with four assists. “We could have played better on offense. We played a little sloppy. Twelve goals is still good. Our defense held it down for us.”

Particularly in the first half, Haverford School maneuvered itself for some quality scoring chances. O’Grady didn’t budge, stopping all but one attempts. Doherty followed suit over the final 24 minutes.

“Both goalies did a nice job,” said McEvoy. “One of those goals can end your run, and everything changes.”

Malvern Prep's Will Peden enjoyed his four assists more than his goal.(video- John Knebels)

O’Grady complimented Malvern’s starting defensive unit of seniors Jake Brownley, Pup Buono, Matt Caccese, Luke Carden, Cooper Frankenheimer, and Sam Bevevino, as well as freshman Lucca DiBartolomeo.

MP goalie Chris O'Grady downplays his excellent first half. (Video- John Knebels)

MP defender Sam Bevevino explains the importance of an aggressive attack.(video- John Knebels)

“Our defense been playing together for a while,” said O’Grady. “Everyone trusts each other.”

Bevevino, who labeled Malvern’s goalies “incredible,” said the Friars’ goal was to establish an immediate assault on both sides of the ball.

“All around, we wanted to be super aggressive,” said Bevevino. “That allowed us to attack, get a lot of turnovers and play well as a defense.”

The win meant most to the seniors.

“We’ve been playing here since sixth grade and this is our last time,” said Bevevino. “We wanted to make a statement and leave Haverford with a win.”

Mission accomplished.

 

(Contact John Knebels at Jknebels@gmail.com or on Twitter @johnknebels.)