Penncrest defeats Avon Grove for first ever state championship

In already its best year of the programs history, Penncrest High School finished off with a bang, winning its first ever state championship. The Lions faced off against Avon Grove, taking down the Red Devils 12-7.

After a late first quarter goal, Avon Grove led 3-1. From then on, Penncrest dominated, getting things going with eight consecutive goals. In that streak, Will Manganiello converted four times in a row. Manganiello led all players with five goals.

Going into the fourth quarter ahead 9-3, Penncrest had all the confidence in the world. Then, a player was penalized for an illegal stick, leading to a three-minute, non-releasable man down situation for the Lions. Grove capitalized on the opportunity, netting three goals and cutting Penncrest’s lead in half.

Penncrest came right back with three goals of its own, reestablishing a safe 12-6 lead. The Red Devils scored once more before the game’s end, but Penncrest’s lead was too far out of grasp.

Complimenting Manganiello’s five goals, another Penncrest standout, Alex Bonnet, netted two goals and dished out two assists. Dylan McCleaft was a wall in goal, stopping 14 shots.

As Pennsylvania state champions, Penncrest ends its season a 25-1. Not only did the Lions win the program’s first PIAA playoff win, Penncrest stormed through the playoffs, taking down the toughest teams in the state. All of Penncrest’s accomplishments have landed them at 25^th in the DigitalSports National Lacrosse Rankings.

Look out for the Lions next year as they prepare to defend their championship for the first time ever.

Key Players:

Will Manganiello- 5 goals

Alex Bonnet- 2 goals, 2 assists