GAME ON: Biggest Upset Ever? Hendricken Beats La Salle in Lacrosse
Monday, June 06, 2011
For the four previous years, La Salle Academy Boy's Lacrosse team was favored to win the State Championship and came up short. This year, there was going to be no question. La Salle came into the final ranked number 1 in the state - having only lost once all season there was no question that they would win the long awaited championship and shake the choker reputation. But, that is why they play the game. Sunday at Rhode Island College La Salle and Hendricken faced off in Providence.
Hendricken's Coach Kevin Murray said before the game that they had to keep it in single digits if they were going to have a chance and their defense and goaltending had to be outstanding (to compete). For Coach Steve O'Donnell it is in another year of going back to rethink the game plan.
Super Underdogs
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTDuring the regular season La Salle dominated Bishop Hendricken by scores of 11-1 and 13-3. See video.
On Championship Sunday, the super-underdogs came out in a zone defense and confused the La Salle team. La Salle had out scored opponent 129-56 during the season in league, but seemed dazed and could not adapt to the packed-zone installed by Coach Kevin Murray of Hendricken. For Hendricken, which had finshed the season with a record of 5-5 in the league and was out scored during the year 72-80, they needed to slow the game down and try and control the pace.
Hendricken's zone defense stymied LaSalle for most of the game. LaSalle led 3-1 at half. Hendricken outscored them 4-0 in the 3rd Q to lead 5-3 after 3 on their way to the 6-4 win.
Kevin Murray told GoLocal's Scott Cordischi, " Our kids just did a good job with the ground balls and executing the game plan. They deserve it."
The Pain Continues
For La Salle, these defeat may be the most painful - the team was loaded talent, but seemd to be snake bitten in the playoffs. LaSalle has been favored
On where this championship ranks among the 5 he has won in his 10 years as head coach: "This one is the sweetest by far! Things were a little rough at times this season but these kids stuck with it, did what was asked of them and now they're champions."
GAME NOTES:
Aaron Levy - senior goaltender and D-1 championship game MVP on having to play the game of his life to beat LaSalle: "I knew I'd have to play well but our whole defense was great and so was our offense. When we were down they scored some big goals to take the lead in the second half."
Chris Marrinan 2 goals, John Ferris 2 goals, Darius Jagminus 1 goal, Chris MacKenzie 1 goal for Hendricken
Ryan Poirier 2 goals (both early in the first half), Jack Collins 1 goal, Michael Kemmy 1 goal for LaSalle.
Related Articles
- GAME ON: From RI to the NCAA - Phil Winslow
- GAME ON: Hendricken vs. Moses Brown Boys Lacrosse
- GAME ON: LaSalle at Moses Brown Boys Lax
- GAME ON: The Player - Evan Vergano
- GAME ON - The Player: Eric Salzillo
- GAME ON: The Player - Warren Nogueira
- GAME ON The Sideline: Coach Alviti, North Kingstown
- GAME ON: Boys LAX LaSalle host Hendricken Exclusive Video
- GAME ON: From RI to the NCAA - J.J. Gilbane
