by John Fanta ’13
HUNTING VALLEY | It was 38 degrees on Thursday night at University School, but with no moisture in the air, the Saint Ignatius lacrosse team opened up their season with a road test at University School. The Wildcat Lacrosse team earned a tight win over the Preppers. The Preppers fought from an early deficit, but Saint Ignatius’ quick start out of the box was enough to lift the ‘Cats. The winn is a good way to begin the Spring of 2013.
Danny Hennessey got the scoring underway for the Wildcats on the attack, as he netted a goal with 8:50 in the first quarter. Saint Ignatius would tack on two more goals to take a 3-0 command at the end of the first. Captain and midfielder Garrett Joseph got the Wildcats going offensively in the second quarter, as he made it 4-0 with 11:30 in the half to go. The Preppers got on the board with 9:06 in the second quarter, but Garrett Joseph tacked on another goal to increase the Wildcats’ lead back to four, as it was 5-1 with 7:33 in the second quarter. With 6:25 in the second quarter. The Wildcats made it 6-1. Another senior, Mike Avdey, stuck one into the back of the net to make it 7-2 with 3:22 in the second quarter, as University School had scored seconds earlier.
At the halfway point, Saint Ignatius led University School 7-2. Danny Hennessey put in his second goal of the day after the Preppers netted one in the early point of the third quarter. It was 8-3 Saint Ignatius with 9:56 in the third quarter.
But, the tides would change for the rest of the third quarter. The Preppers put up three unanswered goals to make it 8-6 at the end of the third. With 11:19 to go in the game, University School was within a a goal of the ‘Cats, as they only trailed 8-7. The fans were treated to a great finish, as chances followed for both teams to make something happen. With 1:09 to go, a sophomore stepped up for a team with not only veterans, but depth. Garrett Joseph tacked on a key insurance goal. University School called a timeout, but the game was in control for the Wildcats.
Saint Ignatius finished it off in the last minute to move to 1-0. The Wildcats will have a break before playing on Saturday, April 6, in Seneca Valley, Pennsylvania. They will battle Hill Academy (Canada) and Seneca Valley next Saturday. For now, Pat McManamon and his team have a 1-0 to smile about heading into Easter weekend.
