RADNOR, PA--There was no way of knowing what was going to happen until the very end when the Malvern Prep Friars’ lacrosse team took on the Haverford School Fords in the Inter-Ac League championship game Monday, May 21, at Cabrini University. The two teams have a history of a strong rivalry and it showed during this crucial game.
Despite an 11-2 surplus at halftime, the Friars had their work cut out for themselves going in to the second half. Haverford outscored Malvern, 6-2, in the third quarter and eventually cut the Friars’ lead to 16-13 in the final two minutes of action but Malvern (14-6) ultimately secured a 17-13 victory.
“It was a great team win,” said senior Quinn McCahon. “We clique well as a family. It showed today. They were a tough team.”
Malvern knew that this would not be easy. Over the course of the last four years, they were 1-9 when taking on Haverford in both the regular season and playoffs combined. On this night, the Friars improved to 2-9. Haverford defeated Malvern in the league title match the previous three years.
“This win means a lot,” said McCahon.
This outcome gave Haverford a final record of 16-4.
“I’m proud of how they fought,” said Haverford School head coach John Nostrant. “Malvern and Haverford have a great rivalry. They bring out the best.”
The first quarter went in to the book with a score of 5-0. Senior Adam Salvaggio found the net early in the second quarter to put Haverford on the board. Seniors Jimmy Gabrielsen, Scott White and Jack Traynor helped extend the score to 9-1. Senior Scott Deck tallied a goal for the Fords off of a feed by senior TJ Malone. Junior Luke DiGiacobbe responded for the Friars.
Haverford and Malvern both took time outs in the last 30 seconds of the opening half. Senior Matthew Hilburn managed to score off of White’s assist before the buzzer.
“I feel that goal brought everyone together,” said Hilburn. “We were trying to kill the clock.”
Malvern Prep Celebrates Inter-Ac Championship Win Over Haverford School -video: Dan McCarty
An Emotional Win For the Friars as Team Members Embrace After Winning the Inter-Ac Championship - photo: Dan McCarty
Haverford came back from the break ready for a whole new game. Deck scored with junior Peter Garno assisting. Salvaggio, Malone and sophomore teammates Chris Tsetsekos and Brennan McBride cut the Friars’ advantage to 13-8 after three quarters. Senior Luke O’Grady assisted on McBride’s goal.
As the fourth quarter progressed, it was undoubtedly anybody’s game. Malvern did not get discouraged. Traynor went for his fourth goal of the game. McCahon completed a hat trick. Junior Gavin Burke scored for Haverford. Senior Edward Burke provided the assist.
Hanging on to a 16-13 surplus, Malvern used a time out with 1:08 in regulation and it turned out to be the right move at an opportune time. Goalkeeper Will Pettit managed to score with just seconds left and that was the game.
“It was a little weird,” said Pettit. “It counted. I got lucky.”
In addition to his goal, Pettit record eight saves with the help of his teammates.
“They played great in the first half,” he said. “We let them go on a bit of a run. We pushed through those last minutes.”
Haverford goalkeeper Harrison Fellheimer turned away five shots. While it was disappointing for the Fords, they know they never gave up and did their best.
“We had trouble in the first half,” said Malone. “We started believing in ourselves. I’m so proud of our guys. I wouldn’t want to play with anyone else.”