By Bradley Schlegel
TopLaxRecruits.com, Posted 3/24/15
HAVERFORD, Pa. – Drew Supinski collected five goals and an assist as host Haverford School bolted to a 12-3 lead and claimed a 14-9 victory today over Loyola Blakefield (MD).
The win helped the Fords, the No. 1 team in the Epoch Lacrosse North America Rankings, improve to 3-0 and give John Nostrant his 400th career win as a head coach.
Nostrant, in his 24th season at Haverford, is 391-129 overall. He also won nine games at St. Albans School (DC) before coming to Philly.
Thanks to the efforts of the Fords and Supinski, Nostrant figures to win a few more games.
“Drew was awesome,” Nostrant said. “His efforts were phenomonal. His hustle plays were outstanding. He’s a real tough kid, and quite a shooter.”
Dox Aitken scored three goals and Forry Smith added two for Haverford School (3-0).
Goalkeeper Alex DeMarco stopped eight shots to help secure the victory.
“Our defense was strong,” Supinski said.
Cole Williams finished with two goals and two assists for the Dons (1-1), the No. 18 team in the Epoch Rankings. Ryan Conrad and Jack Lombardo each registered two goals and an assist.
Loyola expected to face a very talented, skilled, seasoned, well-coached opponent, according to head coach Jack Crawford.
“We were not disappointed,” Crawford said.
The Fords utilized a dominant third quarter to extend a 6-2 halftime lead. They scored six of seven goals in the quarter. Supinski delivered two goals and an assist to extend their advantage to 12-3.
According to Nostrant, his team did a better job valuing the ball and playing smarter in the third.
“We consider the initial three of four minutes of the third quarter vital,” the coach said.
Crawford said three issues converged to help defeat the Dons in the third quarter. According to the coach, they missed some opportunities to win more face offs, their offense lacked offensive patience and they made bad decisions on clearing passes.
“We spent too much time on defense,” Crawford said. “Our biggest problem was that we didn’t have many sustained offensive possessions.”
Early on, Haverford School couldn’t gain control of the game, according Supinski.
“The first six minutes were crazy,” he said.
Haverford School 14, Loyola Blakefield 9
Loyola Blakefield (Md) 1 1 0 7 – 9
Haverford School 2 4 6 4 – 14
Loyola – Cole Williams 2g, 2a; Ryan Conrad 2g, 1a; Jack Lombardo 2g, 1a; Brendan Doyle 1g; Nick Goles 1g; Alex Groesner 1g, 1a;
Haverford School – Drew Supinski 5g, 1 a; Dox Aitken 3g, Forry Smith 2g, John Nostrant 1g; Grant Ament 1g, 3a; Noah Lejman 1g, Shane McBride 1g, 1a.
Saves: Loyola – Acie Newton 8. Haverford School – Alex DeMarco 8.