Kevin M. Neibauer
LaxPhilly– A Division of Edge of Philly Sports Network
In the North East Conference (NEC) the St. Joseph’s Hawks (13-3, 7-0) invited the Long Island University (LIU) Sharks (7-8, 4-3) into Sweeney Field for a Semi-Final match-up. The Hawks soared thru the regular season landing the top seed against LIU who came in with a four ranking.
TO THE GAME:
Carter Page (3g) kicked off his record tying game with his 42nd that was set up by Mac McLaughlin, but Blake Behlen (3g) hit net at 10:24 and again at 9:10 to get the Sharks swimming. Richie Lacandra (2a) scored short handed and it now was a 3-1 game.
The Hawks took flight with McLaughlin setting up Tucker Brown (2g) on the man up. Levi Anderson with a pretty feed that Austin Strazzulla (2g) put home. McLaughlin (2g,2a) and Teo Domic worked the ball to Page for his 44rd with nine ticks remaining to end the 5-3 initial quarter.
Second Quarter:
Levi Anderson (2g,1a) hit net at 4:37 and again at 6:49. McLaughlin completed the seven goal run to end the half with an 8-3 Hawks lead.
Third Quarter:
Will Snelders (1g,1a) finally scored for the Sharks ending the run. The Sharks went 27:40 minutes scoreless during that period. Sean Boll (2g) scored making it a manageable three goal deficit at.
Strazzula, followed by Page notching his hat trick reinstituted the five goal difference. James Butler (1g) potted a Chris Campbell feed, and Behren hitting on the advantage (36th) to end the first 45:00 with the Hawks in front, 10-7.
Fourth Quarter:
Tucker Brown scores at 10:48 to make it an 11-7 game, but then things would get interesting.
Nick Colantonio (1g), Lacalandria, and with just 0:56 seconds on the clock, Sean Boll cut the lead to 11-10. LIU won the ensuing faceoff but lost possession. The Hawks were able to burn the remaining time off to seal the deal.
St. Joseph’s second consecutive season making it to the NEC Final.
Game Statistics:
• Shots were in favor of LIU 39-35, as well as 21-20 on net.
• St. Joe’s led turnovers with 17 while the Sharks had 14.
• Ground balls were even at 27-27.
• Extra Man opportunities had LIU going 3 for 3, while the Hawks were just 1of 3.
• Faceoff extraordinare Zach Cole was 15 for 24 with 6 ground balls for the victors.
• Will Mark stopped 9 shots in the LIU net with Robbie Seeley upping his record to 9-1 and 11 saves while scooping 6 ground balls.
• The 44th goal of the campaign for Page ties Randy McNeill’s school record set in 2001.
St. Joe’s will face Hobart who beat Bryant 21-5.
Kevin has followed and promoted the game of lacrosse since May 19, 1974.
The same day the Philadelphia Flyers won the Cup, the Philadelphia Wings were introduced to Neibauer and Philadelphia.
Kevin has covered many sports, including baseball, football, basketball, and.. lacrosse. A former licensed football referee and baseball umpire, Kevin brings a unique insight to his game coverage.
A published writer in JustHockey Magazine, Kevin covered the American Hockey League as well as a monthly story on a pugilist where Kevin used the pen name, The Rink Rat. Neibauer turned his attentions to lacrosse for a few years and does his part, whether podcasting or writing to grow the game. Kevin branched out to his roots and currently provides insight for all Philadelphia teams for Edge of Philly as well as his full-time duties with LaxPhilly.
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