INTER-AC BOYS’ LACROSSE:
The final few games are about to end what has been a thoroughly entertaining Inter-Ac lacrosse season.
However, despite significant performances by Episcopal Academy and Penn Charter, in the end, the champion will probably be either Haverford School or Malvern Prep.
Or both.
In other words, other than obvious improvement among the league’s lesser accomplished programs, nothing much has changed in the Inter-Ac power struggle.
“It's definitely way more hectic week to week than it has previously been,” said Haverford School senior Chris Hervada.
Haverford seniors, John Nostrant and Chris Hervada - PSD Photo by Zamani Feelings
Senior teammate John Nostrant agreed.
“This is the first time that I’ve seen the league with so much talent,” said Nostrant. “Every league game we play this year, we know we are getting good competition. But I think we all recognize and like that because it brings out the best in us.”
Since the two teams split their season series, and both encountered upset defeats (Haverford School against Penn Charter, Malvern Prep versus Episcopal), the two squads will, barring another unforeseen defeat, finish tied for the Inter-Ac crown. Malvern will face Springside-Chestnut Hill, Penn Charter and Episcopal; Haverford School will play Springside-Chestnut Hill, Penn Charter, and Germantown Academy.
Talking with several players from HS and MP, one emerges with an impression that, should a deadlock occur, such a scenario would be considered a bittersweet finish.
Chris Hervada, Haverford School - PSD Photo by Zamani Feelings
John Nostrant, Haverford School - PSD Photo by Zamani Feelings
For Haverford School, it would mean the successful defense of its crown, but with another team sharing the glory. For Malvern Prep, it would mean returning to the elite circle, albeit with company.
“Being tied with Malvern right now isn't the exact scenario we had wanted, but it's still nice that we are able to control our own destiny,” said Hervada.
Nostrant appreciated how his teammates bounced back from a recent loss to Malvern Prep and defeated upstart Episcopal.
“A huge win,” said Nostrant. “It was a confidence booster and really helped us believe in each other and proved that we are able to overcome adversity.”
Because Haverford School has dominated the past two seasons, Malvern Prep has been the bigger story this season. The Friars, a mix of youth and upperclassmen, have enjoyed a return to the limelight.
A 12-9 victory over Haverford School on April 28 not only kept the Friars’ championship hopes alive, it assuaged the annoyance of a two-season losing streak that included blown leads and one-sided domination.
Billy Coyle, Malvern Prep - PSD Photo by Zamani Feelings
Mike Fay, Malvern Prep - PSD Photo by Zamani Feelings
“It's always great to beat Haverford,” said Malvern Prep senior Billy Coyle. “It felt great to get the weight off our chest. It was very important and (kept) us in the running for the league championship.”
Malvern senior Mike Fay would prefer to be in the proverbial driver’s seat, but he will accept any fate.
“The team is in a positive and confident state right now,” said Fay. “We have put ourselves back into a good position for the rest of the season, and it is up to us to finish it off so that we can end on a high note.
“And I wouldn't say (tying for the championship) would be disappointing. We put ourselves in a difficult position after the first round of the Inter-Ac, so to be in the position we are now is great. The Inter-Ac is a very competitive league, especially this year, so having a tie would not necessarily be disappointing.”
Malvern senior Ray Baran said the Friars are focused on the present as opposed to the possibilities.
“Honestly, the team isn't too caught up with it,” he said. “We haven't really spoken about it. I'm sure we all know and have seen it on Twitter and whatnot, but it is not a thing we speak about. We don't want to have that in our minds. We take each day at a time and focus on the next step. We've been playing great the past week and a half and want to just keep building on that.”
Coyle agrees.
Malvern Prep seniors, Billy Coyle and Mike Fay - PSD Photo by Zamani Feelings
“You always want to win the league, but right now we're taking every game one at a time and trying not to look too far ahead,” he said. “The pieces will fall in place if we focus on the task ahead.”
Malvern junior Scott White lauded his coaches for maintaining confidence after the rugged 12-10 loss to Episcopal which, he said, directly translated into successfully rebounding against rival Haverford.
“The state of the team right now is in the right direction,” said White. “I felt like after a tough loss to EA, our team was really down, thinking that our chances of winning the Inter-Ac were completely shot and over with. But after beating Haverford and winning a couple more tough games, our team has definitely brought it together. The coaches have done a nice job preparing us day in and day out, and everybody on the team has a significant impact on the wins of this team.
“With things going well right now, we know we can't overlook any teams or come out flat in games or practices with no energy. We need to come out strong and fast and hopefully we can get some more big wins throughout the year.”
Malvern junior Jack Traynor said the Friars know how to win. It’s just a matter of executing.
“We are a team that really prides ourselves on doing the little things right, playing tough and battling for ground balls,” said Traynor. “We did that against Haverford and that's why we came out on top. We came out with intense energy, which fueled our team. We played hard, smart and disciplined in every facet of the game. Our offense really clicked. We put a lot of trust in each other and it payed off.”
Haverford senior Evan Scott remains as confident as ever.
"Malvern is a very capable team, as are we," said Scott. "They've got a powerful offense, they're extremely patient on the ball and move well off of it. They've had a good year this year.
"Of course, I'd like to be clear in the lead of the Inter Ac, but if I were given the choice to be tied with one other team, it would be the boys in blue. This year, Haverford needs to be a team; we don't have the powerhouse players of the previous years, no one to rely on but ourselves and our own capabilities. There are games that feel as though we're coming together, and then there are games and quarters that seem as though we're waiting for someone to put the team on his back. For the rest of the season, though, it's imperative that we understand who we are, and play like who we can be."
(John Knebels can be reached at jknebels@gmail.com or on Twitter @johnknebels.)