By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/28/16

Senior goalie and Robert Morris commit Mia Tornetta, who starred at Great Valley the past three years, has transferred to Owen J. Roberts where she will play again for her father and former coach, Joe Tornetta.

Mia Tornetta

Mia Tornetta was a Second-Team All-Ches-Mont League pick in 2016 for a Great Valley team that went 14-5. Tornetta also helped Team Pennsylvania repeat as Brine National Lacrosse champions and played for Team Philly in the Under Armour Underclassmen Games.

In 2015 Tornetta was a Second Team All-Phillylacrosse.com and a First-Team All-Ches-Mont selection who helped the Patriots to the Ches-Mont and District 1 titles. Tornetta also was the 2017 champion at the 2014 Goal Guardian National Championships.

Joe Tornetta was Great Valley’s coach for 24 years, his last season being Tornetta’s freshman year. After his contract was not renewed following the 2014 season he then took the job at Owen J. Roberts where he has led the Wildcats to consecutive Pioneer Athletic Conference titles and a berth in the District 1 finals in 2016.

Joe Tornetta said the family moved to the OJR district last week.

By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/29/16

Lansdale Catholic 2017 midfielder/face-off specialist Nick Heiler has committed to play Division III lacrosse at Gwynedd Mercy University.

Nick Heiler profile:

Nick Heiler

High School: Lansdale Catholic

Graduation Year: 2017

Position: MF/FO

College Choice: Gwynedd Mercy University

Club Affiliation: Dukes LC

Major lacrosse honors: 2nd Team All Catholic

What will you major in/study? Education

Why did you choose this school? “I liked that it was close to home, and the size of the school was perfect for me. The academic part was great for me, too.”

Outlook for 2017 HS season? “I’m looking to continue to improve in all areas.”

People to thank: “Mom and Dad, Tom Nace, Dukes LC, my teammates, and Jim Burnham.”

Other schools considered: Misericordia, Roanoke, Albright

Maplezone Sports Institute (MSI), the official sponsor for PhillyLacrosse.com boys’ recruits, congratulates Nick Heiler. With indoor facilities located on Route 322 in Garnet Valley, PA and all turf outdoor fields on Chichester Avenue in Aston, PA, MSI is home to all your training needs, both on and off the field. To learn more, visit us at Maplezone.com or contact mattv@maplezone.com

By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/29/16

Washington Township (N.J.) 2018 attack Deanna Balsama has made a verbal commitment to play Division I lacrosse at George Mason University.

Deanna Balsama profile:

Deanna Balsama

High School: Washington Township High School, N.J.

Graduation Year: 2018

Position: Attack

College Choice: George Mason University

Club Affiliation: South Jersey Devils

Major lacrosse honors: 1st Team All conference 2014-15 & 2015-16, 2nd team All South Jersey 2015-16, South Jersey School Girls Team 2016, MVP Award 2016, scored 100th goal by sophomore year

What will you major in/study? Undecided at the time, leaning towards business or education

Why did you choose this school? “Originally, GMU wasn’t on my list of schools, but after being invited to a camp last minute, I had so much fun and fell in love with the school. After leaving a meeting I had with Coach Jessy and Coach Greg I knew that is where I wanted to go and the team I want to play for.”

Outlook for 2017 HS season? “I hope that we continue to be competitive; we are in a strong division with some top teams. We had a strong group of girls graduate this past year, but I think we will continue to work hard and play together.”

People to thank: “I am so very thankful for my parents that have been pushing me since I started lacrosse to be the best that I can be; and for being able to afford to send me to camps over the summer. I am so grateful for them. In addition, if it wasn’t for my high school and club coaches, I would not be where I am today. Coach Ettor, Reali, McBride, Venturi and Coach Stockl have been pushing me so hard and I’m so thankful to have them as coaches.”

Other schools considered: La Salle, Campbell

Longstreth Women’s Sports, the official sponsor for Phillylacrosse.com girls’ recruits, congratulates Deanna Balsama. Longstreth specializes in equipment, uniforms and apparel for women’s sports. Longstreth carries a huge selection of all the best women’s heads, handles, goalie gear and player accessories – including shoes and apparel. Visit longstreth.com for directions and information.

By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/29/16

Cherry Hill West (N.J.) 2017 defender Faith Duffy has made a verbal commitment to play Division II lacrosse at Bloomsburg University.

Faith Duffy profile:

Faith Duffy

High School: Cherry Hill West, N.J.

Graduation Year: 2017

Position: Defense

College Choice: Bloomsburg University

Club Affiliation: South Jersey Devils Lacrosse

Major lacrosse honors: All American Showcase First Place Elite Division

What will you major in/study? Undecided

Why did you choose this school? “This school made me the most comfortable and the most at home.”

Outlook for 2017 HS season? “If we work together as a team we will get some wins!”

People to thank: “Thanks to Melissa Venturi, Katie Lee, and my mom and dad.”

Other schools considered: Southern Connecticut State Univeristy, Fairleigh Dickinson University

Longstreth Women’s Sports, the official sponsor for Phillylacrosse.com girls’ recruits, congratulates Faith Duffy. Longstreth specializes in equipment, uniforms and apparel for women’s sports. Longstreth carries a huge selection of all the best women’s heads, handles, goalie gear and player accessories – including shoes and apparel. Visit longstreth.com for directions and information.

By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/29/31

Springside Chestnut Hill Academy senior Mikaela Watson admits she had much to prove heading into the 2016 lacrosse season – especially to herself.

Springside Chestnut Hill Academy 2016 midfielder Mikaela Watson is the Phillylacrosse.com Co-Player of the Year

“I definitely think that I met my goals this year,” she said. “In past seasons had some injuries and I started getting really frustrated because I wasn’t able to play to my potential. Our coaches are always saying they wanted us to come off the field and feeel we did everything I could.

“I wasn’t feeling that way, but this year I felt good after the season.”

Watson had every right to feel good after the 2016 season. She was named the MVP of the Inter-Ac League after scoring 91 goals and collecting 126 draw controls and also was named a US Lacrosse All-American and Academic All-American. She also led the Blue Devils to a 15-7 season, for their highest win total in 12 years.

Watson’s accomplishments in 2016 could back that up. The Stanford signee was a US Lacrosse All-American, an Academic All-American (with a 4.19 GPA), and the All-Inter-Ac League MVP. She had 91 goals and 126 draw controls and led the Blue Devils to its highest winning season in more than 10 years with a 15-7 record.

Now, her latest honor is the Phillylacrosse.com co-Player of the Year (shared with Conestoga’s Monica Borzillo).

“I wanted to have my best season and I put in as much work in the off-season as i could,” said Watson, who had tendinitis and a concussion in previous seasons. “I came into the year in the best shape in all my high school seasons and put in a lot of time on my stickwork and further developing the individual skills. I also worked on being more aggressive.”

Watson, a team co-captain, said her role as a scorer and draw specialist was not as important as her job as a leader for a team with many young players.

“We had quite a few freshmen come in and the co-captains decided we really wanted to make sure we had an inclusive team and that all those freshmen felt like they could try their hardest without feeling like they were stepping on returning players’ feet,” Watson said. “That helped and once we started playing we didn’t feel any type of divide we might have felt other years. It felt like one team that was really together and and we had a great season.”

Springside CHA coach Allison Thomas said Watson did everything for the Devils in 2016.

“Mikaela is such an outstanding player because she has everything necessary for the highest levels of lacrosse,” said Thomas. “She’s a huge threat on the draw; she consistently gets better and works on her fundamentals outside of practice. She can score, assist, and get crucial ground ball controls, and caused turnovers in every game.

“Mikaela is dedicated to improving her game but also improving others.”

Thomas said Watson’s leadership was a key in the team’s success.

“Mikaela is as humble as they come,” said Thomas. “She cares more about her teammates and the well being of the team than her own play. There have been multiple times where as her coach I had to say, ‘Worry about what you can do in this moment versus helping others.’

“Her teammates look up to her as another coach on the field. She can lead by example but also can be vocal in a way that is mature and influences others. Mikaela is a remarkable student as well and is consistently receiving awards and high honors. She never complains and remains poised and enthusiastic with all that she does.”

The season’s highlight for Springside Chestnut Hill Academy was a stunning 15-8 win over Episcopal Academy which cost EA a tie for the Inter-Ac title with Agnes Irwin. That win came shortly after the Devils were crushed by Agnes Irwin, 20-2 and had fallen to Penn Charter, 12-6.

“That feeling after the 20-2 loss was the lowest I think I ever felt coming out of a game,” said Watson. “It felt like a mental beating. After that game. Coach Allison took us aside and we agreed to flush that out. We wiped it out of our memory and went into the Episcopal game feeling like we had nothing to lose.

“We started on a roll and got a five-goal lead. We were getting draws and possessing the ball and not forcing it while causing turnovers on defense. It just felt like everything was clicking and everyone played to their potential. It was the most fun I ever had playing.”

Watson, who also was yearbook editor for two years and a member of Student Council for two years as well as standout field hockey player, said attending a small private school helped her become a well-rounded student athlete. She has a love of art and sculpture and will enter Stanford in several weeks undecided but full of ideas. Currently, she is coaching with Quaker City Lacrosse, where she first learned the game.

“”Me and Elsa (Rall) and Natalie (Schwartz) started together and we felt like sisters by the time we graduated,” said Watson. ‘I loved it. From the beginning I always felt like I had the need to achieve.”

By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/29/16

Conestoga’s Monica Borzillo said her team entered the 2016 PIAA championship game this spring vs. Radnor with extreme confidence.

“I think we went into it not accepting the possibility of losing,” said Borzillo. “We trained so hard for that. We thought of it as completing what we started. We wanted to go out with a memorable performance.”

Conestoga senior attack Monica Borzillo is the 2016 Phillylacrosse.com Co-Player of the Year

That day, June 11, was indeed memorable for Borzillo and her Pioneers, who capped a 24-1 season with a convincing 18-7 rout of the Raiders for their first PIAA title. Borzillo collected 79 goals and an area-high 109 assists this year and earned US Lacrosse All-American honors as the Pioneers won the Central League for the second straight year and finished among the top 25 in all national polls.

Borzillo herself was especially dominant in the state playoffs when the Pioneers outscored their foes 70-27. She collected 14 goals and 27 assists in the four-game run capped by her four goals and eight assists in the state finals.

Fort her efforts, Borzillo, a senior attacker, has been named the Phillylacrosse.com Co-Player of the Year (shared with Springside Chestnut Hill Academy senior Mikaela Watson).

Borzillo’s amazing assist total was due to uncanny ability to feed from behind the cage. Conestoga also had a core of dangerous attackers that have played together for years.

“Monica one of a kind player,” said Conestoga coach Amy Orcutt. “I have never coached one with that ability to feed from behind that well. She has unbelievable field vision and can threat the needle passes so accurately.

“She is such a good spot feeder; she feeds where teammates are going to be and not where they are. She has played with these girls her whole life and they got used to each other. She is very unselfish and knew exactly what Sondra (Dickey) was going to do and what Liz (Scott) was going to do and what Hannah (Ashton) was going to do.”

Borzillo, who will play at the University of Cincinnati, said the key point of the year was actually Conestoga’s lone defeat, a 13-10 loss to arch-rival Radnor in the District 1 quarterfinals. That loss forced the Pioneers to to the loser’s brackets where they had to win twice to make the state playoffs. After that, the Pioneers dominated every foe.

“It showed us we weren’t invincible,” said Borzillo. “Once you win so many games you can get content. I am not saying we lost our drive, but we were getting comfortable.”

The Pioneers had dealt with a tough loss the year before – their 14-10 defeat to Garnet Valley in the state final in a game many felt they were expected to win. Borzillo said the team did not dwell on the loss or use it as a rallying cry for 2016; instead she said this team wanted to forge its own path.

“We all hang out after games or practices and we work out together,” said Borzillo. “The players trusted everyone so much. We were always feeding off each other; if I was messing up one day, someone would come up to me and say, “It’s just one of those days. Try this and you can improve.’

“Nobody ever declined any advice. I know it’s hard for people to hear advice being thrown at them. But we’d change things based on what other people on the team recommended. We had so much faith in one another.”

Borzillo relished her role this year as a playmaker, noting that the Pioneers had so many offensive weapons that it made defending them nearly impossible.

“I just describe it as doing my job,” she said. “I have been with these girls since I was a third grader and being with for so long it was easy to count on them.”

Orcutt summed up Borzillo’s contributions by noting her leadership skills.

“Monica is a very passionate person,” said Orcutt. “Our girls gave speeches before games and at many points in the season she would give a speech to get everybody so fired up. Without being labeled a captains he was one of our best leaders.”

By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/29/16

Michael Sowers could have looked back at the end of his high school career with a bitterweet taste in his mouth.

Upper Dublin senior attackman Michael Sowers is the Phillylacrossecom Co-Player of the Year for 2016

His Upper Dublin Cardinals, favored to reach the state finals this spring, were eliminated by Strath Haven, 10-9, in the PIAA quarterfinals despite holding the lead for much of the game. But even though Sowers’ dream of a state title went unfulfilled, he had no regrets.

“I think it’s tough to look back at the Strath Haven loss, but I think it’s cool to look back on the memories,” he said. “I’ll have some of my greatest memories with the games we played and with so many friends.

“It was cool to see the whole (Upper Dublin) community kind of grow with the sport of lacrosse through our team. I loved seeing so many kids come to the games. When we were freshmen you wouldn’t see many coming out to the games and by senior year the little kids were lining the fence wearing jerseys to the games.”

Led by Sowers, Upper Dublin won its first District 1 title and finished 21-3 in 2016. Sowers, who will play at Princeton University, piled up stats that put him in the national limelight through his electrifying playmaking and scoring abilities.

Sowers collected 59 goals and 122 assists this year and earned US Lacrosse All-American honors. His assists gave him a national record of 403 in his career. His 596 points is a state record. He finished with 196 career goals. Sowers’ ability to play-make from X was unprecedented by most observers; he helped Michael Mullen score an area-high 104 goals in 2016 and set a state record with 296 career goals. Sowers’ talents were on display in an international forum this summer when he earned All-World honors in helping Team USA win the FIL U-19 championship in Coquitlam, British Columbia.

For his efforts, Sowers has been named the Phillylacrosse.com Co-Player of the Year (shared with Haverford School senior Dox Aitken).

Sowers is not big – maybe 5-foot-7 – but his speed, quickness, shiftiness and smarts made him a threat at all times.

“I think it’s about my work ethic,” he said. “You always hear people talking about the prototypical player being 6 foot, a jacked guy. I’m not that. For me to keep up with everybody I have got to put in extra time in the weight room. I think that’s helped me over the years since I play with a chip on my shoulder. Having a little more toughness definitely plays to my advantage.”

“I could say a million things about why Michael is a great attackman, but I think the two things that stick out to me are his first step and his vision,” said Mullen, who is now a freshman at Vassar College. “Not many people have the kind of first step like Michael does.

“He can go zero to one hundred percent in his first step and it’s extremely hard for defensemen to match his intensity. Michael’s vision is just incredible. I’ve seen him make passes that I didn’t even think were possible. He’s a great player and a great person and I’m sure he’s going to do great things at Princeton in the coming years.”

Sowers said the most satisfying part of his career was making lacrosse a big deal in the Upper Dublin community. His teams went 75-13 during his four-year career and won four league titles.

“It was awesome not being from a tradition rich program,” said Sowers. “We kind of had to break some barriers down. We looked forward to playing Central League teams. being able to pull off the District 1 championship was awesome, not only for us for the guys on the other side of the river and the Suburban One League especially.”

Sowers also enjoyed playing on a team coached by his father, David Sowers – who was the top assistant his first three years at Upper Dublin after becoming and the head coach in 2016.

“My dad always wanted me to play the game the right way,” said Sowers. “Since I could walk I grew up on his sideline watching him coach (formerly at Hatboro-Horsham) and this year was no different. I think he knows when I know I made a mistake.”

Sowers was not only a great passer and scorer, he was a strong leader.

“This year I wanted to be that ‘guy’ – when we were in a bit of a hole and things weren’t going right, I tried to be that guy people could turn to to provide that spark plug,” he said.

Mullen said that Sowers excelled at making everyone successful.

“Michael makes everyone around him better,” he said. “He’s so unselfish with the ball and when you have a player like that then everyone around him is going to benefit. I’ve never played with anyone who can dish the ball out the way he does and I just think that goes to show how he’s all about the team.”

By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/29/16

It was a new team that needed to forge its own path.

That’s how Dox Aitken felt about the 2016 Haverford School lacrosse team, which was coming off a perfect 25-0 campaign that saw the Fords finish as the No. 1 team in the country in every poll.

The 2016 squad actually started 1-2, but led by Aitken the Fords enjoyed a brilliant season as well by going 20-5 and claiming the Inter-Ac League championship with a perfect 10-0 mark and the distinction as the No. 1 team in the final Phillylacrosse.com Rankings.

Haverford School senior midfielder Dox Aitken is the Phillylacrosse.com 2016 Co-Player of the Year (Photo by Lisa Ament)

Aitken collected 57 goals and 15 assists, 60 groundballs in 2016 and and earned US Lacrosse All-American, and the Inter-Ac League Most Important Player. For his efforts, Aitken has been named the Phillylacrosse.com co-Player of the Year (shared with Upper Dublin’s Michael Sowers).

Aitken also helped Team USA defeat Canada in the FIL U-19 championship and is a top recruit at Virginia.

“I think at first it was hard to get the picture of 2015 out of our heads,” said Aitken. “But once we lost those early games it helped us make our own path. It was hard, but the younger guys began progressing and and it was good to see us form a chemistry and win a lot of games.”

The Fords began to carve their path early by rallying for a dramatic 10-9 win over league rival Malvern Prep in their first meeting. Malvern held a 9-5 lead before Haverford School scored five straight goals to win. Haverford won the second game vs the Friars, 16-12 and toppled Malvern, 16-10, in the Inter-Ac Challenge semis before bowing to Culver Academy (IN) in the final, 8-7.

“I think the first game (over Malvern Prep) showed how resilient we were,” said Aitken, who also was a key player on the USA U-19 team that won the FIL World Championship this summer in Coquitlam, British Columbia. “It showed how we trusted ourselves. It was definitely surprising to beat them three times and a testament to how we progressed as a team.”

In 2015 Aitken was one of many standouts, but in 2016 he had to take a larger leadership role.

“I think the people that graduated before me set a really good example and knew how to lead,” he said. “It took a while to get the younger players acclimated and to to trust us, but I really loved it (being a leader) and it was a great team to play with.”

Haverford School veteran coach John Nostrant noted that Aitken’s talents and leadership skills were matched by his character on and off the field. Aitken was ranked as the top recruit in his class since freshman year by at least one national recruiting service, but Nostrant said he was the consummate teammate.

“Maybe there is just not another one like him,” said Nostrant, who has coached his share of All-Americans in his 25 years at Haverford School. “He is an athlete built mentally and physically different than everybody else. The most important aspect about him is just him – he is a great, great person and a role model for younger kids. He relished that role; nothing is ever too big for him.

“As an athlete he was like a high school kid in a college body, but he never let that get the best of him. He was a great teammate, a great son … I can’t say enough about him.”

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/29/16

Phillylacrosse.com Honors the 2016 High Honorable Mention Players of the Year:

Girls

Julia Hondros, Episcopal Academy, Senior Midfielder – US Lacrosse All-American, Academic All-American, All-Inter-Ac League First Team … Helped EA win PA Private Schools title … Had 60 goals, 113 draw controls, 24 caused turnovers … Will play at Brown.

Emily Mathewson Garnet Valley, Senior Midfielder – US Lacrosse All-American, All-Central League First Team … Helped Jaguars to state semifinals … Had 90 goals, 72 assists … Signed with Vanderbilt.

Kate White, Agnes Irwin, Senior Defender – US Lacrosse All-American, Academic All-American, All-Inter-Ac League First Team … Helped Owls win Inter-Ac title, reach PA Independent Schools finals … 65 draw controls, 59 groundballs, 39 caused turnovers and 13 goals … Will play at Dartmouth.

Boys

Patrick Lyons, Salesianum School, Senior Defenseman – US Lacrosse All-American, First-Team All-State … Helped lead Sals to state title … Had 73 groundballs and 42 caused turnovers — Signed with North Carolina.

Ryan McNulty, Bishop Shanahan, Senior LSM – US Lacrosse All-American, All-EPLCA, All-Ches-Mont First Team, Co-Ches-Mont MVP … Helped lead Eagles to state playoffs … Collected 12 goals, 16 assists and 138 groundballs … Signed with Loyola.

Jack Rapine, Upper Dublin, Senior Defenseman – US Lacrosse All-American, All-EPLCA, All-Suburban One American First Team, Co-Suburban One-American MVP … Helped lead Cards to league and District 1 titles and berth in state quarterfinals … Signed with Johns Hopkins.

By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/31/16

Springfield-Delco coach Tom Lemieux, in an interview shortly before the season told a reporter it would be foolish to rank his young Cougars in a preseason poll, but to “watch us by the end of the year.”

Those words rang true in 2016.

Springfield-Delco State champion coaches: (from left) Jordan Demcher, Head Coach and Phillylacrosse.com Coach of the Year Tom Lemieux, Jason Orlando, Ryne Adolph. Not pictured – Mike Gurenlian and Austin Kaut

After a difficult 1-5 start, Lemieux’s Cougars went 19-2 and claimed their first PIAA championship with a thrilling 4-3 victory over La Salle on June 10 at West Chester East. Despite having just three seniors in the lineup, Springfield-Delco used a suffocating defense and strong goaltending to win three of its last five games by one goal and claim the school’s first state title since 1992 (then called the Avery Blake Trophy).

“I felt we had a very, very young team with only a couple returning guys,” said Lemieux. “I knew we had good players, but many were young and untested with no game experience.

“Once the guys got game experience, I felt we could be good. We had growing pains early on.”

The Cougars were the defending District 1 champions and a state semifinalist in 2015. But they started the 2016 season with a split of their non-league games and three losses to open the Central League season, to Strath Haven (eventual co-champion), Conestoga (eventual co-champion) and Penncrest (2014-15 champion).

“I love early losses because they build character, and the kids responded,” Lemieux said. “The Central League is a great league and we learned to close games as the season progressed.”

One of Springfield-Delco’s seniors, All-League LSM Zac Methlie said Lemieux held the team together after the rough start, which included a 15-3 loss to Spring-Ford.

“After the first couple losses we were all down on ourselves,” Methlie said. “But Coach Lemieux had confidence in us and did a great job of boosting our confidence. He did a great job of moving people around and put people in the right spots. All of a sudden we started clicking and went on a run.”

Traditionally, Springfield-Delco is strong defensively. This year Lemieux had a strong defense, led by Methlie, senior Pat Smyth and junior goalie James Spence. Lemieux credited defensive coordinator Ryan Adolph and Austin Kaut for the team’s defensive success.

“I think a big shoutout goes to Ryan Adolph; he dues an unbelievable job year in year out,” said Lemieux. “We are lucky to have him and Austin Kaut coaching the defense.

“James (Spence) was unbelievable in goal. The guys matured. Early on we were without Pat Smyth (due to injury), but Pat Clemens and freshman Nick Matty and our defensive middies Matt Ries, Mike Vent and Anthony Davario all helped make the defense great.”

Lemieux also gave credit to assistant coaches Jordan Demcher, Jason Orlando, and Mike Gurenlian as well as the Springfield Cougars youth program.

When did Lemieux believe the Cougars could challenge for a state title?

“When we beat Garnet Valley pretty handily at home (on April 19),” he said. “I think that opened our eyes a little bit and let us know we could beat the top teams. Once we got our confidence, we went into every game believing we could win.”

The Cougars fell to Upper Dublin, 9-2, in the District 1 semifinals, but rebounded to down Strath Haven, 5-4, to claim third place. In states, the Cougars downed Delaware Valley, 10-5, and then defeated District 1 finalist Avon Grove, 7-6, on a late goal by Kyle Long. In the semis they toppled Strath Haven again, 8-5, before a huge crowd at Penncrest to gain the PIAA title game berth.

Against La Salle and in front of an even larger throng, the Cougars jumped to a 3-0 first-period lead. La Salle later tied it, 3-3, in the third period, but Mike Gerzabek scored the go-ahead goal and Spence and Co. were brilliant in the second half.

“We didn’t do anything different in the state finals,” Lemieux said. “We tried to keep everything as normal as possible. We had our regular film session and just treated it like another game. Our kids were battle tested. It was such a fun group to be around. They worked their tails off and at 1-5 no one else could have thought this would happen, but our group was ready to buy in.

“It was the most memorable season I ever had, by far.”

Concluded Methlie: “Coach gave motivational speeches every game. He knows how to light a fire and get everyone going, especially someone like myself. How knows how to bring out the best in everyone.”

By chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/30/16

Lisa Orcutt decided that dwelling on a disappointing finish in 2015 would not serve the 2016 Conestoga team.

So, after the Pioneers fell to Garnet Valley in the PIAA title game in 2015, Orcutt told her team to move forward, not look back.

Conestoga state champion staff: From left, Allegra Gerhardt, Phillylacrosse.com Coach of the Year Lisa Orcutt, Jaclyn Klunder, Sam Murphy, Meaghan McDugall

“For so long after that (Garnet Valley) game I was thinking, ‘What could I have done differently?'” said Orcutt. “You keep replaying everything in your mind.

“Come the fall. I had a dinner with all seniors and we decided before the season that we were not going to even think about that last game. During the season we did not think about and not a word was said about it by the staff. We just focused on one game at a time and never looked too far ahead so we would not lose sight of what we were really trying to do.”

The strategy worked in 2016.

The Pioneers went 24-1 and capped the season with an 18-7 victory over rival Radnor in the PIAA championship June 10 at West Chester East. Conestoga finished No. 1 in the final Phillylacrosse.com Rankings and in the Top 20 in every national poll. For her team’s accomplishments, Orcutt has been named the Phillylacrosse.com Girls’ Coach of the Year.

“Every game we’d pick a new goal,” said Orcutt. “Maybe one game we wanted to get 60 percent of the draw controls or another we’d have a goal to get 80 percent of the loose balls, or a certain shooting percentage.”

Senior Monica Borzillo, the Phillylacrosse.com Girls’ Co-Player of the Year, said Orcutt and the staff helped keep the Pioneers focused on individual improvement and team play.

“She told us to forget about the championship game from last year,” Borzillo said. “Last year was behind us. We always focused on different things each practice and each game. That got us through the tough games.”

Orcutt gave credit to her assistants, Samantha Murphy, Meaghan McDugall, Alegra Gerhardt and Jaclyn Klunder. She also admitted the team had great talent, but also great senior leadership and camaraderie.

“I think it comes down to senior leadership,” Orcutt said. “We had a lot of really good players and a lot of personalities. You always have a minor bump in the road, but they looked out for each other and worked hard for each other. The seniors made that success happen.

“They all had a role, whether they were on the sidelines or on the field. They were the most unselfish team I ever coached. You can see that from the number of assists and different goal scorers. We had so many weapons and every game someone else would step up.”

The Pioneers went undefeated in the Central League for the second straight year, but were unceremoniously bounced from the District 1 tourney in the quarterfinals by none other than Radnor, 13-10. After that, they won six straight elimination games by a combined margin of 104-38.

They saved their best for last, though, in the state finals as they dominated the Raiders from the start.

“I think everything in the stars were aligned,” said Orcutt. “That day was magical. I told the kids that ‘This should be the favorite day of your life and to remember what it feels to get on that field. This is your championship moment.’

“From the first draw I think they were so dialed in and so focused. I had never seen a team this focused.”

“This was a really good group to be around. Our coaches had so much fun together with them. It was a really great group of girls; even the girls who didn’t get playing time came to practice to make our team better. I think we were able to be laid back but also intense. They’re kids and when they have fun doing something they love with friends every day, they can be successful when the talent is there.”

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/31/16
From US Lacrosse

US Lacrosse today announced rules changes and revisions for women’s lacrosse, effective for the 2017 girls’ high school lacrosse season. US Lacrosse writes the rules for high school girls’ lacrosse, and those rules are endorsed by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS)

“The rule changes and approved revisions are a continued effort to minimize the risk of injury in girls’ lacrosse,” said Kathy Westdorp, chair of the NFHS girls’ lacrosse rules committee and a member of the US Lacrosse Women’s Rules Subcommittee. “Several of the rule revisions will reinforce that effort.”

US Lacrosse also authors separate rules that govern youth girls’ lacrosse. Those youth rule sets, also effective January 1, 2017, will be announced in mid-September.

The approved 2017 high school rule changes include updates on eyewear and headgear equipment certifications, the allowance of some ball contact by players, and clarifications on the requirements for the Obstruction of Free Space penalty.

Arguably the most noteworthy revision involves the rule governing the draw. Beginning in 2017, players below the restraining lines on the draw may not cross the lines until possession has been established. This rule change was influenced by concerns that the number of players contesting the ball, either in the air or on the ground, following the draw often leads to a scenario where an excessive number of players were competing in close physical contact.

“By limiting the number of players attempting to put the ball in play after the draw, we trust that there will be fewer fouls and that the ball will more quickly be put into play,” said Laurette Payette, a member of the US Lacrosse Women’s Officials Subcommittee. “The focus of the officials will be on the six players (three for each team) between the restraining lines.”

A player leaving the restraining line early, before possession is established, shall be penalized.

“The rules that govern the game play an important role in both safety and growth,” said Kristen Murray, chair of the US Lacrosse Board of Directors and a girls’ high school coach. “We continue to look for opportunities to simplify the rules to make it easier for officials to make calls and to improve the flow of the game. We want lacrosse to be a safe, fun and enriching experience for everyone who plays.

“We appreciate the efforts of the volunteer officials and coaches who spearheaded the comprehensive rules review and approval process. This process included a thorough review of suggested rule changes submitted to US Lacrosse and NFHS, as well as a review of pertinent injury surveillance statistics.”

A closer look at all the rule changes approved by the US Lacrosse Women’s Game Committee is below. Rule references are from the 2016 US Lacrosse Rule Book and will change for 2017.

Rule 2, Section 9: Outlines the certification changes to eyewear protection.

Rule 2, Section 10: Outlines the ASTM certification changes to headgear.

Rule 5, Section 1: Players below the restraining lines on the draw may not cross until possession has been established.

Rule 5, Section 28: Stick checks may only be requested during a stoppage of the game clock.

Rule 5, Section 28: Stick checks may be requested immediately following regulation or overtime.

Rule 6, Section 1: Adjusted the “note” to remove ‘looking to shoot’ from the Obstruction of Free Space criteria.

Rule 6, Section 2f: Added the wording “except with a kicking action on a non-shooting attempt” to the rule that ‘players may not use their bodies to play the ball.’

Rule 7, Section2: Penalty administration for dangerous shot and illegal shot to be aligned, with the ball being given to the closest defender no closer than 8m to the goal.

In addition, secondary material has been further defined in the Manufacturers Specifications, and the alternate officials duties are now stated within the Appendix.

Suggestions for future rule changes and modifications may also be submitted here at any time. All submissions are reviewed by the US Lacrosse women’s game rules subcommittee.

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/31/16

Central Bucks East head coach

Central Bucks High School East is looking for a Head Girls Lacrosse Coach for the Spring. Any interested applicants can either go to CBSD.org and apply under the employment tab or email me for more information at jreading@cbsd.org.

Harriton assistant coach

Harriton High School (Rosemont, PA), is searching for a Head Girls’ JV/Varsity Assistant Coach: Base responsibilities include: 1)Teaching and development of JV players, 2) Scouting opponents 3) Assisting Head varsity coach with Varsity Team. Prior coaching experience is preferred. To be considered, please send your coaching resume along with three references to the e-mail address below. Stipend: Approximately $4200. Additional club and youth coaching opportunities are available. Appointment: Part-Time

Contact for information: George Dick, Head Girls’ Lacrosse Coach, Harriton High School, 600 N. Ithan Ave, Rosemont, PA 19010. E-mail: Harritonlacrosse@gmail.com

Souderton head coach

Souderton Area High School Head Girls Lacrosse Coach
– SOL Champs in 2014 and 2015
– District Playoffs the last 6 of last 7 seasons
– State of the art Turf Field
– New coach will be entering a very successful program, talented core of returners and a terrific feeder program
– Former coach resigned due to employment reasons
If interested, please contact Dennis Stanton, Athletic Director at 215-284-7134 or dstanton@soudertonsd.org

Unionville Varsity, JV Girls Lacrosse Coaches

Description POSITION TITLE: Varsity Head Coach
SUPERVISOR: Building Principal/Athletic Director
POSITION SUMMARY: To help each participating student achieve a high level of skill, an appreciation for the values of discipline
and sportsmanship, and an increased level of self-esteem.
POSITION SPECIFICATIONS:
Employee must have clearances from the state and federal government: Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility
Verification), Act 114 (Federal Criminal History), Act 34 (State Criminal History), Act 24 (Arrest /Conviction
Report and Certification Form), Act 151 (Child Abuse Criminal History) and Act 168 form (Sexual
Misconduct/Abuse Disclosure).
Employee must have clearances as required by the PIAA and school district: Concussion Training,
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Training and Mandatory Reporter Training. Employee must have knowledge of coaching in their designated sport. Previous coaching experience is helpful but not required. Employee must have strong organizational and communication skills.
Salary Range According to Terms of Collective Bargaining Agreement
Job Contact: Name Joe Derickson Title Athletic Director. Email jderickson@ucfsd.net Phone 610-347-1600 ext. 3082

Academy of Notre Dame assistant coach

The Academy of Notre Dame is looking for a JV Coach for the 2017 season. Applicants must have previous coaching experience at the club or high school level. We are looking for a passionate and energetic coach to help lead a high level program. Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to head coach, Xan Zimatore (xzimatore@ndapa.org)

Delaware County Christian School head coach

Delaware County Christian School is searching for the next women’s lacrosse varsity head coach. Would you please help us out by posting the job to your website?

Applicants should contact Athletic Director, Mike Walker at mwalker@dccs.org

Mount St Joseph Academy Varsity and JV head coaches

Mount St Joseph Academy is searching for Varsity and JV lacrosse coaches.

Contact Athletic Director Janet Columbro at jcolumbro@msjacacad.org or 215-233-9124

Interboro head coach

Candidates can apply for the position of head girls’ lacrosse coach at Interboro.

QUALIFICATIONS:
* Experience in coaching at middle school/high school level
* Coaching certification – within one (1) year employment
* Good communication skills with players, parents, teachers, and administrators
* Good work ethic – Act 34, Act 151, FBI Clearances and all required paperwork for district
* PIAA Coaching Requirements
* State physical

HOURS: To be discussed at interview

RESPONSIBILITIES:
* Ride bus to and from all practices/games
* Follow and enforce school guidelines
* Distribute & return all equipment
* All else as directed by Athletic Director and administration

To APPLY – https://interboro.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=424
or e-mail edwardkloss@interborosd.org Athletic Director/Assistant Principal, Interboro High School, 610-237-6410 x2329

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/31/16

Archbishop Wood assistant coaches

Archbishop Wood High School (Warminster, PA) is looking for Varsity assistant and JV Head & Assistant coaches.

These are coaching-only positions with some other responsibilities. We participate in fall and winter activities as well. Coaching staff will have the opportunity to attend local/national coaching conventions. JV Head & Assistant coaches will participate in some Varsity activities, but main concern is for the JV program.

Previous lacrosse coaching experience desired for JV Head coach. Previous playing experience desired for Assistant positions. Face-off or goalie experience a plus.

Please send short bio, prior experience, and references to: Joseph Sette, Athletic Director (JSette@archwood.org); Attn:Boys Lax.

Archbishop Ryan head coach

Archbishop Ryan seeks a full-time, experienced, dynamic Varsity Boys Lacrosse Head Coach to start in the Fall of 2016. Qualified applicants will meet the following criteria:
Requirements:
• Supervise the instruction in the sport of Boys Lacrosse for both Varsity & JV
• Organize and run all Boys Lacrosse Varsity team practices.
• Game Management for all Varsity Boys Lacrosse team games.
• Assist in attracting quality Student-Athletes to Archbishop Ryan.
• Assist in attracting and supervising quality assistant coaches for the Boys Lacrosse program.
• Attend all League Meetings of the Varsity Boys Lacrosse Coaches.
• Meet with the Director of Athletics on a frequent basis to review the status of the program.
Interested Candidates should contact AD George Todt 215-637-1800, Ext#243 or email at AD <athletics@archbishopryan.com>

Unionville head coach

Unionville High School is searching for a Varsity Head Coach. Unionville is a member of PA District 1 and the highly competitive Ches-Mont league. We are located in Chester County, have excellent facilities and are well-supported by our booster organization. Practice schedule is flexible. Desirable candidates will have played lacrosse in college and have high school coaching experience. Salary is commensurate with experience and supplemented by the booster organization. Availability for off-season activities is highly desired but not required. Those applying for the position must be able to obtain the necessary clearances required by the school district. Interested candidates may apply immediately at https://ucfsd.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=114. Additional information can be requested by emailing uhslaxinfo@gmail.com.

Points to note:
*Our practice schedule is flexible. We are prepared to move practices later in the afternoon/early evening if that helps attract a candidate.
^We have a young team (only 4 seniors this year) and a strong youth pipeline, with many of our guys now playing club for teams such as Dukes, Roughriders, Black Bear, Fusion, Mesa, Team 302, etc. We have good numbers, with almost 60 players planning to attend tryouts for JV/Varsity in the spring.
^We have a very strong and supportive booster organization, and raise considerable funds each year to help cover team and extra coaching costs that are not covered by the school budget. In addition, we are happy to provide administrative assistance to our coaches so they can focus on coaching.
^We play in Fall and Winter leagues, to keep as many of our guys that are not playing other sports on the field as possible throughout the year. We will be playing in the Haverford Sunday league this Fall, and usually play at Maplezone and/or USTC in the winter.
*There are many opportunities for a head coach to hold camps/clinics throughout the year to subsidize their salary.

Quakertown High School Varsity Boys Head Coach

QCSD boys’ varsity lacrosse team is seeking a head coach who will strive to build a highly competitive and challenging program for the student-athlete. This is not a teaching position. Spring 2017 will be our 3rd year as a team. Candidates should have coaching experience and preferably playing experience at the high school and/or college level or beyond. We typically have about 25 players, and are hoping to add a JV squad in the near future. We will be in the Suburban One, Continental Conference. Coaching candidates should be prepared to:

• Complete required testing and background checks
• Prepare preseason training and practice plans
• Instruct fundamental skills and concepts throughout the season
• Be able to specialize by position or skill as required

Candidates must be willing and able to communicate with players, administration, booster club, and parents as necessary to keep information flowing. The head coach should be willing to assist in seeking an assistant coach. Coaches will report to the booster club the first year, while indirectly working with the athletic director.

Pre-season practices begin indoors two to three days a week in early January until early March in the evenings, then move outside to the turf field in early March. Practices then continue evenings from 6 to 8 pm Monday thru Thursday, with games generally starting between 3:30 and 5:00pm (with an occasional evening game) throughout the season. There is a possibility to hold outdoor practices after school if preferred.

Quakertown High School has a fabulous turf stadium field, which has lights for evening games if necessary. Salary: TBD based on experience. Part-Time position for approximately 6 months. Available: Now for Spring 2017. Deadline: October 1, 2016.

Contact for application and information: Sylvia Kalazs, Athletic Director, Park Avenue, Quakertown, PA 18951. E-mail: skalazs@qcsd.org

Team/school/org. site: http://www.qcsd.org

Phoenixville head coach

Phoenixville Area High School is looking for a passionate, dedicated, and committed visionary to help build our Boys Lacrosse program. The successful candidate will want to work with talented students, a dedicated administration and a community that is ready to embrace boys lacrosse.

Phoenixville is a member of the Pioneer Athletic Conference and PIAA District One. Successful candidates will have a strong background in coaching and demonstrated success in coaching or playing at the collegiate or high school level, and/or in a club setting.

Interested candidates should contact Matt Gionta, Director of Athletics, 484-927-5130.

Germantown Academy Varsity Boys Lacrosse Head Coach

Germantown Academy seeks a full-time, experienced, dynamic Varsity Boys Lacrosse Head Coach to start in August 2016. Qualified applicants will meet the following criteria:
Requirements:
• Supervise the instruction in the sport of Boys Lacrosse for all of the Upper and Middle School teams.
• Organize and run all Boys Lacrosse Varsity team practices.
• Game Management for all Upper School Varsity Boys Lacrosse team games.
• Assist in attracting quality Student-Athletes to Germantown Academy.
• Assist in attracting and supervising quality assistant coaches for the Boys Lacrosse program.
• Serve as a resource for the College Selection process for all Upper School Boys Lacrosse players and their families.
• Conduct instructional clinics and summer camps for the younger players in GA and the surrounding geographic areas.
• Attend all League Meetings of the Varsity Boys Lacrosse Coaches.
• Serve as a conduit of information regarding the Boys Lacrosse program for all appropriate media sites.
• Meet with the Director of Athletics on a frequent basis to review the status of the program.
• Communicate with the Associate Director of Athletics regarding scheduling and equipment needs.
• Comply with all of the Professional Guidelines as listed in the GA Coaches Handbook.
• Attend Professional Development Opportunities in the sport of Lacrosse and Coaching.
Candidates who meet these criteria should send a cover letter, resume, and list of at least three current references to: Mr. James Fenerty, Director of Athletics, Germantown Academy, 340 Morris Road, PO Box 287
Fort Washington, PA 19034
Or to: James.Fenerty@germantownacademy.org

Perkiomen Valley assistants

The Perkiomen Valley High School Boys Lacrosse Program based in Collegeville PA, and a member of District 1 as well as the Pac-10, is seeking to hire a Varsity Assistant Coach and a Head JV Coach for next season. Prior coaching and/or collegiate playing experience is required for these positions. We have a strong feeder program, great parents, a strong booster club, and a supportive administration. These are coaching-only PAID positions. Additional off-season coaching opportunities will be available for further compensation.
Availability: Immediately.

Please send your resume via e-mail as well as a cover letter on your lacrosse experiences.
Contact: Bryan Churchey, PVHS Head Boys Lacrosse Coach,
E-mail: bchurchey@pvsd.org Cell: 610-246-4788

Wilson (West Lawn) Boys Lacrosse Head Coach

Wilson (West Lawn) School District is looking for an experienced, passionate, and energetic Head Coach for its boys lacrosse team. Wilson is a member of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, District 3, and Berks County Interscholastic Athletic Association. We are located in suburban Reading, have an enrollment of approximately 1,800 students in grades 9-12, possess excellent facilities (two turf fields), and are well-supported by our booster organization. Our boys team has won five straight league titles, the most recent District 3 title, and has numerous alumni playing college lacrosse. Wilson also runs a successful youth feeder program for grades K-8, creating an outstanding foundation for a Varsity Coach.

Desirable candidates will have a minimum of high school and/or club coaching experience. College playing experience is preferred. Those applying for the position should possess a strong lacrosse background with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead a high level program, be able to provide evidence of effective leadership of a scholastic team, have the ability to articulate a vision for building/enhancing a scholastic program, possess excellent communication and problem solving skills, and be able to obtain the necessary clearances required by the school district. Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to Athletic Director Drew Kaufmann at kauand@wilsonsd.org by July 1, 2016. If there are any questions, please call 610-670-0180 x 1142.

Team website: www.wilsonlacrosse.com
School website: www.wilsonsd.org

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/31/16

Phillylacrosse.com honors the 2016 High Honorable Mention Coaches of the Year:

Boys

Rob Forster, Academy of the New Church – he guided his team to a third straight Friends Schools League title and a 16-3 record.

Dan Greenspun, Haverford High – He guided the Fords to a record of 15-5, a fourth-place finish in the Central League, and a seven-win improvement from 2015. The Fords earned the most wins for the program since 1995 and highest Central League finish since 1995.

Jef Hewlings, Strath Haven – He guided the Panthers to their first Central League title (shared with Garnet Valley and Conestoga) and a berth in the District 1 and state semifinals.

Rick Smith, North Penn – He guided his team to a 16-4 record (nine wins improvement and school record for wins), and into the second round of the District 1 playoffs.

Girls

Josie Ferri, Episcopal Academy – She guided EA to the Pennsylvania Independent School Athletic Association championship and a 23-5 record.

Brooke Fritz, Radnor – She guided the Raiders to the District 1 championship, a berth in the PIAA finals and the No. 19 rankings in the final STEPS Lacrosse North America Rankings.

John Geary, Merion Mercy Academy – He guided Merion to its eighth straight Athletic Association of Catholic Academies championship and a berth in the District 1 quarterfinals.

Tara Schmucker, Central Bucks West – She guided the Bucks to a sixth-place finish in the District 1 tournament and a record of 16-7.

Joe Tornetta, Owen J. Roberts – He guided the Wildcats to their second straight Pioneer Athletic Conference title and a berth in the District 1 title game as well as a spot in the PIAA quarterfinals.

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/31/16

Phillylacrosse.com honors the 2016 First Team All-Phillylacrosse.com Boys’ squad:

First Team

Attackmen

Kyle Anderson, Malvern Prep, Sr. – US Lacrosse All-American, All-EPLCA, All-Inter-Ac First Team … Had 66 goals, 27 assists … Helped lead Friars to second-place finish in Inter-Ac and semifinals in Inter-Ac Challenge … Will play at Harvard.
Matt Moore, Garnet Valley, Jr. – US Lacrosse All-American, All-EPLCA, All-Central League First Team, League MVP … Had 48 goals, 58 assists … Helped lead Jaguars to share of Central League title … Committed to Virginia.
Forry Smith, Haverford School, Sr. – US Lacrosse All-American, All-EPLCA, All-Inter-Ac First Team … Had 49 goals, 26 assists … Helped lead Fords to Inter-Ac championship and berth in Inter-Ac Challenge finals … Signed with Johns Hopkins.
Michael Sowers, Upper Dublin, Sr. – Phillylacrosse.com Co-Player of the Year … US Lacrosse All-American, All-EPLCA, All-Suburban One American First Team … Had 59 goals, astounding 122 assists … Helped lead Cards to conference and District 1 championships and berth in state semifinals … Will play at Princeton.

Midfielders

Dox Aitken, Haverford School, Sr. – Phillylacrosse.com Co-Player of the Year … US Lacrosse All-American, All-EPLCA, All-Inter-Ac First Team, Inter-Ac Most Important Player … Had 61 goals, 12 assists … Helped lead Fords to Inter-Ac championship and berth in Inter-Ac Challenge finals … Signed with Virginia.
Ryan Kinnard, Penncrest, Sr. – US Lacrosse All-American, All-EPLCA, All-Central League First Team … Had 60 goals … Signed with Hofstra.
Tommy McNamara, Haverford School, Sr. – All-EPLCA, All-Inter-Ac First Team … Had 23 goals … Helped lead team to Inter-Ac championship and berth in Inter-Ac Challenge finals… Signed with Notre Dame.
Beau Kush, Avon Grove, Sr. – US Lacrosse All-American, All-EPLCA, All-Ches-Mont League First Team … Had 30 goals … Helped lead Devils to Ches-Mont title and District 1 finals … Signed with Delaware.

Face-off specialist
Christian Feliziani, Episcopal Academy, Sr. – US Lacrosse All-American, All-EPLCA, All-Inter-Ac First Team … Won over 70 percent of his draws … Helped lead EA to Inter-Ac Challenge quarterfinals… Signed with Ohio State.

LSM
Nick Cardile, Avon Grove, Sr. – US Lacrosse All-American, All-EPLCA, All-Ches-Mont First Team, Co-Ches-Mont MVP … Helped lead Devils to Ches-Mont crown … Signed with Penn State.
Ryan McNulty, Bishop Shanahan, Sr. – US Lacrosse All-American, All-EPLCA, All-Ches-Mont First Team, Co-Ches-Mont MVP … Helped lead Eagles to state playoffs … Collected 12 goals, 16 assists and 138 groundballs … Signed with Loyola.

Defensemen
Matt Blommer, Episcopal Academy, Sr. – US Lacrosse All-American, All-EPLCA, All-Inter-Ac First Team … Helped lead EA to Inter-Ac Challenge quarterfinals… Signed with Notre Dame.
Jack Rapine, Upper Dublin, Sr. – US Lacrosse All-American, All-EPLCA, All-Suburban One American First Team, Co-Suburban One-A MVP … Helped lead Cards to league and District 1 titles and berth in state quarterfinals … Signed with Johns Hopkins.
Jack Reilly, Conestoga, Sr. – US Lacrosse All-American, All-EPLCA, All-Central League … Helped lead Pioneers to share of the league title … Signed with Virginia.

Goalie
James Spence, Springfield-Delco, Jr. – US Lacrosse All-American, All-EPLCA, All-Central League First Team … Anchor of defense that helped lead Cougars to first PIAA crown and third-place finish in District 1 … Posted 232 saves and a .71 percentage … Committed to Lehigh.

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/31/16

Phillylacrosse.com honors the 2016 Second and Third Team All-Phillylacrosse.com Boys’ squads:

Second Team

Attackmen
Adam Goldner, Malvern Prep, Sr. – US Lacrosse All-American, All-EPLCA, All-Inter-Ac League First Team … Had 59 goals and 39 assists … Helped lead Friars to second-place finish in Inter-Ac and semifinals in Inter-Ac Challenge … Will play at Penn.
Bobby McClure, Haverford High, Sr. – All-Central League First Team … Had 59 goals, 63 assists … Helped lead Fords to 15-5 season … Will play at Ursinus.
Bryce Reid, Avon Grove, Sr. – – US Lacrosse All-American, All-EPLCA, All-Ches-Mont First Team … Had 37 goals … Helped lead Devils to Ches-Mont title and District 1 finals … Signed with Delaware.
Kevin Stump, St. Joseph’s Prep, Sr. – All-Catholic League First-Team, Catholic League MVP … Had 66 goals, 14 assists … Will play at Williams College.
James Vandegrift, Academy of The New Church, Sr. – US Lacrosse All-American, All-EPLCA, All-Friends Schools League First Team … Had 58 goals, 58 assists … Helped lead Lions to Friends League title … Signed with St. Joseph’s.

Midfielders
Jacob Buttermore, Garnet Valley, Jr. –All-Central League First Team … Had 45 goals … Helped lead Jaguars to share of Central League title … Committed to Syracuse.
Jeffrey Conner, Strath Haven, Soph. – All-EPLCA, All-Central League First Team … Had 67 goals and 33 assists … Helped lead Panthers to share of Central League title and District 1 and PIAA semifinals … Committed to Saint Joseph’s.
Luke McCallion, Haverford High, Jr. – All-Central League Second Team … Was two-position middie specialist who won 65 percent of his draws and had 39 goals and 14 assists … Helped lead Fords to 15-5 season.
Jim McAfee, Germantown Acdemy, Jr. – All-EPLCA, All-Inter-Ac League First Team … Had 51 goals … Helped lead Patriots to Inter-Ac Challenge quarterfinals … Will play at Amherst.
Michael Fay, Malvern Prep, Jr. – US Lacrosse All-American, All-EPLCA, All-Inter-Ac League First Team … Had 24 goals … Helped lead Friars to second-place finish in Inter-Ac and semifinals in Inter-Ac Challenge … Committed to Notre Dame.

LSM
Zac Methlie, Springfield-Delco, Sr. – All-EPLCA, All-Central League First Team … Key player that helped lead Cougars to first PIAA crown and third-place finish in District 1 … Signed with Lehigh.

Face-Off Specialists
Justin Schwenk, Spring-Ford, Sr. – All-EPLCA, All-PAC-10 First Team … Won over 87 percent of his draws … Helped lead Rams to PAC-10 title and District 1 quarterfinals… Signed with Monmouth.
Michael Sisselberger, Southern Lehigh, Soph. – All-Eastern Pennsylvania Conference First Team … Won over 80 percent of his draws … Helped lead Spartans to District 11 title … Committed to Lehigh.

Defensemen
Matt Binion, Harriton, Sr. – All-Central League First Team … Signed with Richmond.
Liam Hare, Spring-Ford, Sr. – All-EPLCA, All-PAC-10 First Team, PAC-10 MVP … Had 12 goals … Helped lead Rams to PAC-10 title and District 1 quarterfinals… Signed with Monmouth.
Pat Smyth, Springfield-Delco, Sr. – All-Central League Second Team … Key player that helped lead Cougars to first PIAA crown and third-place finish in District 1 … Signed with St. John’s.
Conor Tuturice, Easton, Sr. – All-Eastern Pennsylvania Conference First Team, EPC MVP … Helped lead Red Rovers to league title … Signed with LIU Post.

Goalie
Alex deMarco, Haverford School, Sr. – All-EPLCA, All-Inter-Ac First Team … Had 224 saves, 8.04 GAA … Helped lead Fords to Inter-Ac championship and berth in Inter-Ac Challenge finals … Will play at Penn

Third Team

Attackmen
Brett Baskin, La Salle, Jr. – All-Catholic League First Team … Had 43 goals and 50 assists … Helped lead Explorers to Catholic League and District 12 titles and berth in PIAA finals … Committed to Johns Hopkins.
Billy Coyle, Malvern Prep, Jr. – All-Inter-Ac League First Team … Had 59 goals and 39 assists … Helped lead Friars to second-place finish in Inter-Ac and semifinals in Inter-Ac Challenge …Had 35 goals and 58 assists … Committed to Cornell.
Jake Hvazda, Spring-Ford, Sr. – All-EPLCA, All-PAC-10 First Team … Had 57 goals and 37 assists … Helped lead Rams to PAC-10 title and berth in District 1 quarterfinals … Will play at York.
Kyle Long, Springfield-Delco, Soph. – All-Central League First Team … Had 33 goals and 79 assists … helped lead Cougars to first PIAA crown and third-place finish in District 1 … Committed to Maryland.
Michael Mullen, Upper Dublin, Sr. – All-EPLCA, All-Suburban One American First Team … Had area-high 104 goals and 29 assists … Helped lead Cards to league and District 1 titles and berth in state quarterfinals … Will play at Vassar.
Alex Wagner, Bishop Shanahan, Sr. – All-Ches-Mont First Team … Helped lead Eagles to state playoffs … Had 71 goals, 38 assists … Signed with Fairfield.

Midfielders
Danny Cassidy, Spring-Ford, Jr. – All-EPLCA, All-PAC-10 First Team … Had 50 goals and 19 assists … Helped lead Rams to PAC-10 title and berth in District 1 quarterfinals.
Cody Mazurek, La Salle, Sr. – All-Catholic League First Team … Had 31 goals … Helped lead Explorers to Catholic League and District 12 titles and berth in PIAA finals … Signed with High Point.
Alex Scalamandre, St. Joseph’s Prep, Sr. – All-Catholic League First-Team … Will play at Navy.
Nick Vernacchio, Upper Dublin, Sr. – All-EPLCA, All-Suburban One American First Team … Had 41 goals and 17 assists … Helped lead Cards to league and District 1 titles and berth in state quarterfinals … Signed with St. Joseph’s.

Face-Off Specialists
Brendan Patterson, Council Rock South, Sr. – All-Suburban One National First Team, Conference MVP …Helped lead Golden Hawks to conference title … Signed with Binghamton.
Anthony Giuliani, La Salle, Jr. – All-Catholic League First Team … Helped lead Explorers to Catholic League and District 12 titles and berth in PIAA finals … Committed to Penn.

Defensemen
Eric Carr, Academy of The New Church, Sr. – All-EPLCA, All-Friends Schools League First Team … Had 140 groundballs, 70 takeaways, 7 goals and 11 assists and won 72 percent of his face-offs … Helped lead Lions to Friends League title … Will play at Gettysburg.
Ryan Granger, Penncrest, Sr. – All-EPLCA, All-Central League First Team … Signed with Marquette.
Matthew Rahill, Springside Chestnut Hill, Jr. – All-EPLCA, All-Inter-Ac First Team … Committed to Maryland.
Rocky Wright, Upper Dublin, Sr. – All-EPLCA, All-Suburban One American First Team … Helped lead Cards to league and District 1 titles and berth in state quarterfinals … Will play at Arizona State.

LSM
Noah Frantz, Strath Haven, Sr. – All-Central League Third Team … Helped lead Panthers to share of Central League title and District 1 and PIAA semifinals … Will play at Ursinus.
Malcolm Glendinning, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, Jr. – All-Inter-Ac First Team … Committed to Boston University.

Goalies
Sean McKee, Penn Charter, Sr. – All EPLCA, All-Inter-Ac First Team … Signed with Fairfield.
Jason Yoqunnto, Bishop Shanahan, Sr. – All-Ches-Mont First Team … Helped lead Eagles to state playoffs … Allowed just over 4 goals per game … Will play at Navy.

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 9/1/16

Phillylacrosse.com congratulates the All-Phillylacrosse.com First Team Girls’ Squad:

First Team

Attackers
Monica Borzillo, Conestoga, Sr. – Phillylacrosse.com Co-Player of the Year, US Lacrosse All-American, All-Central League First Team … Helped Pioneers to Central League and PIAA championships … Had 79 goals, area-high 109 assists and an area-high 188 points … Signed with Cincinnati.
Sondra Dickey Conestoga, Sr. – US Lacrosse All-American, All-Central League First Team … Had 69 goals, 75 draw controls, 32 ground balls and 26 caused turnovers … Helped Pioneers to Central League and PIAA championships … Signed with Lehigh.
Laura Pansini, Agnes Irwin, Sr. – US Lacrosse All-American, Academic All-American, All-Inter-Ac League First Team … Helped Owls to Inter-Ac title and into finals of PIAA tourney … Had 69 goals and 50 assists … Will play at Princeton.

Midfielders
Victoria Barretta, Downingtown East, Jr. – US Lacrosse All-American, All-Ches-Mont League First Team, conference MVP … Helped Cougars win league title … Had area-high 114 goals … Committed to Maryland.
Maddie Gebert, Owen J Roberts, Sr. – US Lacrosse All-American, All-PAC-10 First Team, PAC-10 MVP … Helped Wildcats win PAC-10 title, reach District 1 finals and PIAA quarterfinals … Had 89 goals … Signed with Temple.
Julia Hondros, Episcopal Academy, Sr. – US Lacrosse All-American, Academic All-American, All-Inter-Ac League First Team … Helped EA win PA Private Schools title … Had 60 goals, 113 draw controls, 24 caused turnovers … Will play at Brown.
Alex Ladda, Harriton, Sr. – US Lacrosse All-American, Academic All-American, All-Central League First Team … Had 67 goals Signed with Lehigh
Emily Mathewson Garnet Valley, Sr. – US Lacrosse All-American, All-Central League First Team … Helped Jaguars to state semifinals … Had 90 goals, 72 assists … Signed with Vanderbilt.
Olivia Muscella, Great Valley, Jr. – US Lacrosse All-American, All-Ches-Mont League First Team, Confernce MVP … Had 66 goals … Committed to UMass-Amherst.
Fallon Quinn, Radnor, Sr. – US Lacrosse All-American, Academic All-American, All-Central League First Team … Helped Raiders to District 1 title and PIAA championship game … Had 36 goals, 74 draw controls, 68 groundballs, 34 caused turnovers … Will play at Columbia.
Jessie Rubin Friends’ Central, Sr. – US Lacrosse All-American, Academic All-American, All-Friends’ Schools League First, Friends League MVP, PASLA Student-Athlete of the Year … Helped Phoenix win Friends’ League title … Had 72 goals, 102 assists … Will play soccer at Washington University.
Liz Scott, Conestoga, Jr. – US Lacrosse All-American, All-Central League First Team, Central League MVP … Helped Pioneers to Central League and PIAA championships … Had 53 goals, 134 draw controls … Committed to Loyola.
Sam Swart, Archbishop Carroll, Jr. – US Lacrosse All-American, All-Catholic League First Team, Catholic League MVP … Helped Patriots to Catholic League, District 12 titles … Scored 50 goals … Committed to Syracuse.
Mikaela Watson Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, Sr. – Phillylacrosse.com Co-Player of the Year, US Lacrosse All-American, Academic All-American, All-Inter-Ac League First Team, Inter-Ac MVP … Had 91 goals, 15 assists, 126 draws, 30 GBs … Signed with Stanford.

Defenders
Kate White, Agnes Irwin, Sr. – US Lacrosse All-American, Academic All-American, All-Inter-Ac League First Team … Helped Owls win Inter-Ac title, reach PA Independent Schools finals … 65 draw controls, 59 groundballs, 39 caused turnovers and 13 goals … Will play at Dartmouth.
Abby Lord Radnor, Sr. – US Lacrosse All-American, Academic All-American, All-Central League First Team … Helped Raiders win District 1 title and reach PIAA finals … Signed with Richmond.

Goalie
Jules Horning, Conestoga, Sr. – Academic All-American, All-Central League Second … Had 162 saves and allowed just over 5 goals per game … Signed with Marquette.

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 9/1/16

Phillylacrosse.com congratulates the All-Phillylacrosse.com Second and Third Team Girls’ Squads:

Second Team

Attackers

Samantha McGee, Abington, Sr. – US Lacrosse All-American, Academic All-American, All-Suburban One American Conference First Team … Had 85 goals, 22 assists … Committed to St. Joseph’s.
Katie Crager, Episcopal Academy, Soph. – All-Inter-Ac League First Team … helped EA win PA Private schools title … Had 73 goals, 28 draw controls … Committed to Georgetown.
Emily Games, Radnor, Sr. – Helped Raiders to District 1 title and PIAA championship game … Had 80 goals … Will play at Tufts.
Alyssa Manley, Bishop Shanahan, Jr. – All-Ches-Mont League First Team … Helped Eagles reach District 1 semifinals … Had 89 goals … Commitetd to St. Joseph’s.
Linnea Hughes Great Valley, Sr. – US Lacrosse All-American, All-Ches-Mont league First Team High … Had 65 goals … Signed with James Madison.
Laura Lasprogata, Harriton, Sr. – All-Central League First Team … Had 56 goals … Signed with St. Joseph’s.
Katie Quinn, Radnor, Sr. – All-Central League Honorable Mention … Helped Raiders to District 1 title and PIAA championship game Had 57 goals … Signed with George Washington.

Midfielders
Caroline Allen Academy of Notre Dame, Sr.- US Lacrosse All-American, All-Inter-Ac First Team … Had 61 goals, 71 draw controls, 43 ground balls, 24 assists … Will play at Cornell.
Lila Barker Agnes Irwin, Jr. – US Lacrosse All-American, All-Inter-Ac First Team School … Helped Owls win Inter-Ac title and reach PA Private Schools finals … Had 79 goals, 32 draw controls and 22 assists … Committed to Virginia.
Bryn Boylan, Central Bucks West, Sr. – All-Suburban One National First Team, conference MVP … Had 50 goals, 21 assists, 114 groundballs, 81 draw controls, and 30 caused turnovers … Helped Bucks reach District 1 quarterfinals … Will play field hockey at North Carolina.
Bridget Whitaker, Springfield-Delco, Jr. – US Lacrosse All-American, All-Central League First Team … Helped Cougars finish second in the Central League … Had 47 goals, 39 assists and 74 draw controls … Committed to Temple.

Defenders
Emily Fryer Agnes Irwin, Jr. – US Lacrosse All-American, All-Inter-Ac First Team School … Helped Owls win Inter-Ac title and reach PA Private Schools finals … Had 56 draw controls, 39 groundballs and 18 goals … Committed to Brown.
Elizabeth Ingersoll, Conestoga, Jr. – All-Central League Second Team … Helped Pioneers win Central League and PIAA championships … Committed to Penn.
Kara Nakrasius, Garnet Valley, Sr. – US Lacrosse All-American, All-Central League First … Helped Jaguars reach PIAA semifinals … Signed with Temple.
Maria Pansini, Agnes Irwin, Soph. – All-Inter-Ac League Second Team … Helped Owls win Inter-Ac and reach PA Private Schools finals … Committed to Princeton.

Goalie
Madison Doucette, Unionville. Soph. – All-Ches-Mont League League First Team … Helped Indians reach District 1 quarterfinals … Had .536 save percentage and 209 saves, 30 groundballs, 13 caused turnovers … Committed to Northwestern.

Third team

Attackers
Sara Hughes, Methacton, Sr. – All-PSAC-10 First Team … Had Sara Hughes: 64 goals … Helped Warriors reach PAC-10 finals … Signed with St. Joseph’s.
Kerry Huzzard, Owen J. Roberts, Sr. – All-PAC-10 First Team … Helped Wildcats to PAC-10 title, berth in District 1 finals and spot in PIAA quarterfinals … Had 70 goals … Signed with George Mason.
Meghan Matey, Archbishop Carroll, Sr. – All-Catholic League First Team … helped Patriots win Catholic League and District 12 titles … Scored 29 goals .. Signed with Ohio State.
Caroline Steller, Merion Mercy Academy, Sr. – All-Athletic Association of Catholic Academies First Team, League MVP … Had 57 goals, 46 assists … Committed to Marquette.
Laura Winters, Haverford High, Jr. – All-Central League First Team … Had 62 goals and 41 assists … Committed to the United States Naval Academy.

Midfielders
Hannah Ashton, Conestoga, Sr. – All-Central League Second Team .. Helped Pioneers to Central League and PIAA championships … Had 51 goals … Signed with Rollins.
Bridget Cerciello, Southern Lehigh, Sr. – US Lacrosse Academic All-American. Co-MVP of Lehigh Valley region …Had 43 goals despite missing some of season with mono … Signed with St. Joseph’s.
Courtney Dietzel, Central Bucks South, Sr. – All-Suburban One National First Team … Helped Titans to conference title … Had 47 goals, 33 assists … Signed with Drexel.
Monica Dresnin, Plymouth Whitemarsh, Sr. – All-Suburban One American First Team, conference MVP … Helped Colonials to Suburban One American title … Had 32 goals, 70 assists … Signed with Rutgers.
Erin Garvey, Unionville, Soph. – All-Ches-Mont League First Team … Had 71 goals … Helped Indians reach District 1 quarterfinals … Committed to Michigan.
Greta Stahl, Harriton, Soph. – All-Central League Second Team… Had 57 goals … Committed to Northwestern.
Destanee Watkins, Emmaus, Sr. – All Eastern Pennsylvania Conference First Team, Co-MVP of Lehigh Valley region … Had 66 goals, 25 assists … , Signed with Kutztown.

Defenders
Heather Camden, Downingtown West, Sr. – US Lacrosse Academic All-American, All-Ches-Mont league First Team … Signed with Drexel.
Colby Gallagher, Episcopal Academy, Sr. – All-Inter-Ac League First Team … Helped EA win PA Private Schools title … Had 25 goals, 48 draw controls, 38 ground balls and 27 turnovers.
Nicole Massimino, Radnor, Jr. – All-Central League Honorable Mention … Helped Raiders win District 1 title and reach PIAA finals … Committed to Notre Dame.
Sarah Platt, Agnes Irwin, Sr. – Helped Owls win Inter-Ac and reach PA Private Schools finals … Signed with Virginia.
Rachel Warden, Garnet Valley, Sr. – All-Central League Second Team … Helped Jaguars reach PIAA semifinals … Signed with Drexel.

Goalie
Mia Tornetta, Great Valley, Jr. – All-Ches-Mont League Second Team … Committed to Robert Morris.

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 9/1/16
From Press Release

Registration is open for The Match™ (www.matchlax.com), a recruiting showcase focusing on strong players targeting Division III colleges.

The Heritage Lacrosse event, open to boys in 2017-2019 graduation years, will be held Sunday, October 30, 2016 at the new MSI Sports Village in Aston, PA. The Match™ is designed for players who are strong Division III candidates – athletically and academically.

The Match has been well-received by college coaches, players and families and has resulted in numerous successful recruiting outcomes/commitments. Over 400 athletes and coaches from 50 DIII schools have participated in the event since 2013.

The event philosophy is simple — FOCUS ON THE FIT, NOT THE FRENZY™! Leverage your lacrosse talents and get the best education you can, while contributing and competing at a high level. Come to The Match™ READY TO LIGHT IT UP!

Players/Parents: Interested players are asked to visit the website and register as soon as possible. Space is limited by position; total enrollment is also limited. Click here for REGISTRATION LINK.

Coaches: High school/club coaches are invited and encouraged to nominate strong candidates for The Match™ by completing the on-line nomination form. Players/parents will receive notification letting them know about the opportunity and providing a link to additional information. Click here for COACH NOMINATION LINK.
Additional information:

• When/Where: Sunday, October 30th at MSI Sports Village, Aston, PA (on 3 adjacent turf fields); 12-5pm, which will permit day trips from hot beds in the region.
• Format: Positional clinics, drills/station work, 7v7 games, full field scrimmaging, recruiting seminar/presentation on the DIII value proposition. The format makes the event informative and participatory for players and highly efficient from a college coach’s standpoint.
• Colleges Attending: We expect solid group of coaches and schools from the Mid-Atlantic area (mostly) to attend The Match™; those that register and confirm their participation will be listed on the website as they sign up. Click here for COLLEGE COACH REGISTRATION LINK
• CONNECTLAX Membership: Players who complete the registration process will be entitled to a free 3-month subscription to ConnectLAX – an online/mobile recruiting platform. Participants will receive a free 6-month subscription and have the chance to order game video/highlights to include on their profile. Click here for more info on ConnectLAX.