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Euphoria and jubilation flowed through every Penncrest player, coach, and fan as the clock dwindled down to zero on Thursday. The Lions won their first ever PIAA playoff game in a 13-10 victory over Bishop Shanahan.
Penncrest has been dominant all season, acquiring a 22-1 record and earning the 25th rank in the DigitalSports’ National Lacrosse Rankings and 3rd in Pennsylvania. Bishop Shanahan was a qualified opponent; at 18-3, the Eagles rank 48th nationally and 6th in the state.
Grabbing a few early goals, Penncrest quickly got the lead and never let it go. After the Lions took an early 3-0 lead, momentum shifted back and forth between the teams. Eventually, they entered the half with an 8-6 score line in Penncrest’s favor.
Following Penncrest’s goal to open the half, Shanahan netted three straight to cut the Lions’ lead down to just 9-8. Penncrest would not falter. The Lions drilled in the next three goals, creating a four-goal cushion.
From that point, Shanahan would not come within two goals of Penncrest for the remained of the game.
Sophomore Alex Bonnet shined in a seven point performance from five goals and two assists. U.S. All-American Will Manganiello followed with three goals and an assist. Perhaps the most crucial player on the Lion’s squad was Dylan Protesto. Not only did the All-American go 23-for-27 at the faceoff dot, giving his team ample possession time, Protesto scored a goal and dished out an assist.
Moving on to the quarterfinal, Penncrest looks to get its second PIAA state playoff victory. The Lions certainly have to take the hard road to the top. They will face La Salle, ranked 41st nationally and the defending state champions, in the quarterfinal round. Penncrest and La Salle meet on Saturday afternoon for what is sure to be an epic match up.
Key Players:
Dylan Protesto- 23-27 faceoffs, 1 goal, 1 assist
Alex Bonnet- 5 goals, 2 assists
Will Manganiello- 3 goals, 1 assist
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