SPRINGFIELD, PA -- It was not over until it was over as the Archbishop Wood Vikings’ lacrosse team traveled to take on the Cardinal O’Hara Lions on Friday, April 27, 2018. While Wood held an 8-3 advantage late in regulation, O’Hara managed to keep fighting until the end and made the final score a narrow 8-6 in this Philadelphia Catholic League (PCL) contest.
“We’re going in the right direction,” said first-year Cardinal O’Hara head coach Evan Bohner. “We’re going in the right direction.”
Sophomore midfielder Jimmy Yocum tallied the last two goals of the afternoon and had a strong finish.
“I just kept going,” said Yocum who finished with four goals. “I kept pushing.”
This was an especially important day for the four seniors on O’Hara’s squad as they were recognized on the field along with their parents at halftime as part of their Senior Day. Among them are goalkeepers Justin Klawansky and Kevin Waldron, midfielder Ant Scarduzio and attack Pat Cooper.
“These guys are awesome,” said Bohner. “They’ve bought in to everything I’ve done.”
Cardinal O'Hara vs. Archbishop Wood
Cardinal O' Hara celebrates senior day during game against Archbishop Wood - photo Dan McCarty
Yocum registered the first goal of the game. Midfielder Eric Bauer responded for Wood to tie it up. Cooper found the net and the Lions took another lead but this was the last time they were on top for the match. Attack Colin Bruestle tied the score with 3:44 to play in the opening quarter before giving his team a permanent lead two minutes later.
Midfielder Dan Divita and attack Colin Moore tallied a goal apiece during the second quarter. Yocum stopped the Vikings run with another goal later in the half.
Bauer accounted for the lone goal of the third stanza before he and Divita boosted the surplus to 8-3 as the final quarter progressed.
Nevertheless, the Lions came roaring back after that. Attack James Kutufaris scored and Yocum went on his 2-0 sprint with 36.4 on the clock.
Strong defense displayed by both teams- video by Dan McCarty
Klawansky stopped 12 shots on his Senior Day but he couldn’t have done so without the help and support of his teammates.
“Defense is a factor to our success,” he said. “I couldn’t have done it without them. After halftime, we came out and played a lot stronger than in the first half.”
Goalkeeper Brian Graham prevailed for Wood on defense.
“Defensively, we work well together,” he said. “There was no stopping us. I feel confident.”
With the regular season drawing to a close, Wood and O’Hara are certainly thinking ahead to the PCL playoffs.
We’ll be back,” said Bohner. “We’re going to keep at it. Let’s keep improving.”