Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/9/16
Staff Report
Dave Closterman scored seven goals and James Vandegrift had two goals and six assists to spark Academy of the New Church to a come-from-behind 12-10 victory over host Shipley School in a battle of the Friends Schools League leaders.
ANC, the two-time defending champion, improved to 15-2 overall and 4-0 in the league. Shipley is 8-7 and 3-1.
The Gators had a 7-1 lead until the Lions erupted for six unanswered goals to close the half tied at 7-7. ANC then pulled ahead 10-8 after three periods.
“We need to come out with more energy and start the game right, but I am very proud about how our group battled back,” said ANC coach Rob Forster. “They were able to keep their focus on one goal at a time, rather than try to get six goals back at once.
“We stayed disciplined and made the smart play rather than trying to make the home run play. That’s what brought us back.”
Hunter Jaronski had two goals for ANC.
For Shipley, Amir Fluellen had three goals and Chad Allison added two goals and three assists. Tate Gallagher and Frank Campanale each had two goals and two assists and Nick Gonzalez scooped seven groundballs. Nick Yi scored once and stood out at the face-off X and Colton Gallo had 16 saves.
Shipley will host Westtown Wednesday in the semifinals at 4 p.m. and ANC gets a bye. The Lions will host the title game Saturday at 2 p.m.
Academy of the New Church 12, Shipley School 10
ANC 1-6-3-2- 12
Shipley 6-1-1-2- 10
ANC
Bryson Rhee 1a
James Vandegrift 2g, 6a
Dave Closterman 7g
Kam Kittrels 1g, 1a
Pat Kolb 1a
Hunter Jaronski 2g
Thomas Villante 6 saves
Eric Carr 11/23 FO
Shipley
Chad Allison 2g, 3a
Tate Gallagher 2g, 2a
Frank Campanale 2g, 2a
Amir Fluellen 3g
Nick Gonzalez 7 GBS
Nick Yi 1g
Colton Gallo 16 saves
