By Tom Peace
TopLaxRecruits.com, Posted 4/9/17

BALTIMORE – If you were expecting a high scoring game between Bullis School and Loyola Blakefield on Saturday night in the PNC Invitational at the Ridley Atjhletic Co,plex at Loyola University, than you were let down.

But if you wanted to see a tight game with strong defense and goaltending, you got exactly what you wished for.

Senior Alex Trippi had 2 goals and an assist and Jonathan Bender – who started at attack from his natural position of midfield – scored twice and had the game-winner for the Bulls (10-1), who are No. 11 in the C2C North America Rankings

“Coming out to a venue like this and playing a team from the MIAA it was really fun,” said Trippi who is signed with North Carolina. “We didn’t try to do too much. We just came out flying and had some fun.”

The game saw three ties. The Dons (1-3) took their first lead, 3-2, at 9:42 of the third quarter when Ryan Dunn (2 goals, 1 assist) found junior midfielder Liam Bateman for the score.

Trippi and sophomore Robert Schain helped the Bulldogs regain the lead. Dun responded to tie the game at 4.

Then Bender delivered the eventual game winner midway through the fourth quarter. The Dons got possession to set up for a final shot to try to send the game to overtime but Bullis goalie Chris Del Rosario (9 saves) made a key save on Bateman and the Bulldogs completed their second win in a row at the PNC event over an MIAA team.

Bullis head coach Jeff Bellistri gave his goalie high praise in such a low scoring game. “He sees the ball, he stops the ball. He does it in practice and in every game. He’s the best uncommitted goalie in the country.”

Bateman (2 goals) said the Bullis defense played a great zone and that Del Rosario made a great save.

The Bulldogs have played seven games in 13 days. They gear for their DC IAC opener Thursday against rival and uncdefeated Landon.

Loyola Blakefield: Goals: Dunn 2, Bateman 2; Assists: Clothier, Dunn
Saves: Stout 6

Bullis: Goals: Trippi 2, Bender 2, Schain; Assists: Trippi;
Saves: Del Rosario 9