WEST CHESTER, PA – In their 25th year, the La Salle College High School (22-4) lacrosse team sure had a season to remember. The Explorers reclaimed the Philadelphia Catholic League Title from St. Joe’s Prep in a 9-5 victory on May 24th.
From there, the team advanced to the District 12 match up against Northeast High School. The Explorers again sealed another victory winning 18-2 to secure their PIAA playoff birth.
In the first round of the PIAA tournament, La Salle played Downingtown Catholic powerhouse, Bishop Shanahan. In a toughly fought game, the Explorers managed to surpass the Eagles with junior, Brett Baskin, scoring an overtime goal to propel his team to the state quarterfinals.
In the next round, La Salle faced Wilson High School, the District 3 Champions. The Bulldogs were no match against the Explorers, who scored the first three goals right from the gate and never looked back securing the 14-5 victory. La Salle’s dominant offense continued into their semifinal match up against Manheim Township.
PIAA 2016 Boys' LAX Championship: Springfield 4, La Salle 3
Manheim managed to score two quick goals before being shutout the rest of the game. La Salle scored 10 unanswered goals, clearing their path to the PIAA state final.
On Saturday at West Chester East High School, La Salle took the field vs. Springfield Delco (20-7) in the PIAA State Championship. La Salle trailed Springfield by three goals with 7:52 remaining until halftime. Chris Hladczuk and Colin Cahill each scored a goal before the end of the half cutting their team's deficit to 1 goal. But Springfield was not done. Mike Gerzabek scored with 25 seconds left to enhance the cougars lead 4-2, sending the Explorers into the half down two goals. La Salle’s defense held Springfield scoreless for the entire second half, but was unable to capitalize offensively. La Salle senior Jared Walls, was able to find the back of the cage with a little less than 7 minutes to go in the game, but it was not enough to secure one last victory.
Final: Springfield 4, La Salle 3.
The saying goes, “All good things must come to an end,” but for La Salle, this is only the beginning. 24 of 38 players on La Salle’s varsity roster are returning next season with two goals in mind: returning to the PIAA playoffs and walking away as State Champions.
See below for post game interviews from La Salle’s Jared Walls and head coach Bill Leahy, as well as from Springfield’s head coach Tom Lemieux.
La Salle senior Jared Walls talks about his team's second half success and commends his teammates on a great season
La Salle's head coach Bill Leahy expresses his satisfaction toward his players and applauds Springfield’s victory
Springfield's head coach Tom Lemieux reflects on the game and talks about the legacy his team will leave on Springfields LAX program
La Salle Stats
Christopher Hladczuk 1 goal
Colin Cahill 1 goal
Brett Baskin 1 assist
Jared Walls 1 goal
Springfield-Delco Stats
Mike Gerzabek 3 goals
Joe Dibarnardi 1 goal
Kyle Long 2 assists