By Chris Goldberg
TopLaxRecruits.com, Posted 7/2/15
MIDLOTHIAN, Va. – Nathan Shafer (Siants Peter and Paul, ATT) scored the game-winner in overtime today as Maryland toppled Virginia, 8-7, to win the Boys’ 2018 Division championship at the Brine National Lacrosse Classic at River City Sportsplex.
The win capped a brilliant day for Maryland, which had to win three times in half a day to claim the title. Maryland opened playoff action by defeating New Jersey, 7-6, on a goal by Michael Ippolito (Gerstel Academy, ATT) and then downed Carolina, 5-3, to advance to the title game.
“From the first practice on the first day we all kind of bonded and since a lot of us knew each other already we played together well,” said Maryland’s Trey Smith (Calvert Hall, MF). “We had a lot of tough games and to win was a great feeling after all the close games.”
Ippolito agreed: “Throughout the tournament it was a common theme that we would be tied, or down, at half, and eventually we would fight our way back into the game. It was really obvious that we were a second-half team.
“Most of the guys on our team knew each other and have played with each other in the past couple years, which helped us all get along. I think it helped us build chemistry really quickly.”
Ippoliti said the team’s balance also helped.
“Our team was really deep,” he said. “With that being said, we had a lot of talent all over the field and if someone got tired, another teammate was ready to go.”
Girls
Maryland 10, Long Island 3
Hayleigh Simpson (Marriotts Ridge, MF) scored three goals while Rachel Scheimberg (Glenlg, ATT), Eva Abel (Bryn Mawr, MF) and Savanah Paton (McDonogh, MF) each added two as Maryland rolled to the crown to close at 6-0 overall.
Maryland’ toughest game was in the semifinals when it downed New England, 7-6, as Simpson tallied three.
HSG18 Championship
Maryland 10, Long Island 3
MD: Simpson (3), Scheinberg (2), Abel (2), Paton (2), Pilcher (1), Freeman (1)
Saves: Schucosky
LI: Kenneally (1), Podaras (1), Greene(1)
Saves: Williamson (4), Kast (3)
HSG18 Semifinal
Maryland 7, New England 6
MD: Simpson (3), Scheinberg (1), Wagner (1), Pilcher (1), O’Brien (1)
Saves: Shucosky(5), McSally (1)
NE: Siebold (2), Cooney (1), Walsh (1), #13 (1), Rodino (1)
Saves: Collins (4), Tucker(1)