DREXEL HILL, PA – After weeks of weather issues, the Lansdale Catholic Crusaders’ lacrosse team was finally able to get its regular season underway at the home of the Bonner & Prendergast Friars on Friday, April 6, 2018 in Philadelphia Catholic League (PCL) action.
Lansdale Catholic managed to get down to business in this season opener. The team lost several senior starters from last year’s squad but a solid core of sophomores and juniors stepped up and the Crusaders upset the Friars, 12-5.
“Sophomores and juniors stepped up big,” said Lansdale Catholic head coach Christian Blair. “We’re going to rely on our underclassmen. We’re a young team.”
Junior Ryan Flanegan led the way for his team with six goals and three assists. He never would have done it without his teammates.
“I couldn’t have done it myself,” he said. “Lansdale Catholic embodies family spirit. Seniors are like my brothers.”
Hard work during the offseason has also come in handy for the Crusaders.
“We work so hard in the offseason,” said Flanegan. “I feel pretty confident.”
With this result, Bonner dropped its overall record to 2-3. The Friars are young as well. One disadvantage that they must face is a lack of depth. Twelve or thirteen players have been forced to play for the majority of the games with very little time to rest.
“We ran out of gas,” said head coach Guy Bottomley. “We’re bringing younger kids along.”
Flanegan got on the scoreboard quickly off of a feed by Evan Hannings. Bonner’s John Mercanti quickly tied the game. Flanegan took that goal right back and gave his team a permanent lead. Daniel White and Eric Logan added to the lead. The Friars used two time outs in the opening quarter and Matt Brady and Conor Lewis helped settle things down with a goal apiece.
2018 LC vs. MBAP
Both teams display good sportsmanship shaking hands after the game:
Brady cut the score to 5-4 early in the second quarter but the Crusaders were fighting and fighting from that point onward. Kyle DeHaven scored with Flanegan assisting. White also scored again assisted by Kevin Gianoni and LC was ahead, 8-4, at the half.
LC’s Ryan Corbett found the net during the third quarter. Logan and Flanegan kept the run going. Brady finished his hat trick late in regulation before calling it a match.
Goalkeeper Jonathan Wood paced LC’s defense.
“We had a rough start on defense,” said Wood. “We were a little shaky at first. We settled down.”
Junior goalkeeper Pat Jensen kept Bonner going on defense with the help of senior defenders.
“Pat does a great job not only hustling but helps clear the ball,” said Bottomley.
Bonner has its work cut out as it will be taking on PCL rivals St. Joseph’s Prep and La Salle College High School, both of whom have a strong PCL and state playoff history.
“I feel good,” said Bottomley. “We have a difficult week. There are winnable games ahead.”
In more PCL action, Lansdale Catholic hosts Archbishop Wood Wednesday, April 11, at 3:45 PM.
“We’re in a good spot,” said Blair. “It’s good to get a signature win. This is a good starting point. I expect to come out and be competitive every week.”