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Unbeaten Trojans Top Long Beach in Key Conference Match; Face # 1 Conestoga, PA Saturday at Haverford 06/20/2012
BY JAKE WHITE
After topping a series of highly-ranked non-league opponents, Garden CIty High's lacrosse team faced its first key conference test last week against previously undefeated Long Beach, and the Trojans passed the test with flying colors, sinking the Marines 13-8. GC led 13-4 early in the fourth quarter, then went into a possession mode which enabled the south shore foe to cut into the big lead. Long Beach, coached by the veteran Jim Kasper, was seeded second in the conference by the coaches, who placed Garden City first and Wantagh third. The Marines moved from Conference I where they were a Class A playoff team a year ago. Most of their key players are back and Coach Kasper believes his team can contend for the Class B title which Garden City has held for six years.
The Trojans, now 6-0 over-all and 3-0 in Conference II, resume their trip through the national rankings this Saturday (April 14) when they take on Conestoga, PA at the Haverford School at 11am. Conestoga began the season as the third-ranked team in the nation and moved to number one when they beat Calvert Hall, MD, 11-10. They are currently 6-0 with wins over Boy’s Latin and Malvern Prep as well. Conestoga is loaded with Division I players and competes with many of the U.S.'s top teams. It will be the first meeting ever between the schools. Haverford School is located just outside of Philadelphia, a couple of miles down the road from Villanova University.
GC jumped out to a fast start against Long Beach. Liam Kennedy, Mark Ellis and Cody George scored first quarter goals and the Trojans widened their lead to 8-3 at the half as Devin Dwyer (2), and Kennedy hit the net along with speedy defensemen Tom Wright (his first) and Ed Blatz (his third). The Trojans have shown an excellent fast-break, transition game.
Before Long Beach could mount a third quarter rally, Kennedy and Dwyer resumed their target practice. Devin wound up with three goals and three assists, while Liam had four goals and an assist. The lead built to 13-4 early in the fourth period when Justin Guterding and Ryan Norton scored their first goals of the game. Dan Marino finished with seven saves.
LAX NOTES: With a rebuilt defense, the Trojans set out to be a more aggressive, fast-paced offensive team. Their plan was to take advantage of significant experience and fine athleticism and that is just what has happened so far in six impressive wins. The Trojans are averaging 13 goals per game.....GC is 15-0 all time vs. Long Beach.....The Conestoga game on Saturday will be part of Haverford's all-day lacrosse "Checking For Cancer" festival which annually attracts some of the nation's top teams......Following the game in Pennsylvania the Trojans travel to Great Neck South for a conference game Wednesday at 4:30pm.
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