Kevin M. Neibauer
LaxPhilly– A Division of the Edge of Philly Sports Network.
When you think of siblings in lacrosse, the names Gait, Thompson, Powell and Merrill come to mind.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish boast the Kavanagh’s, Pat and Chris.
The two youngest of four brothers, the most renowned being Matt who plays in the PLL.with the Redwoods.
Matt was MVP of the 2012 games in Turku, Finland.
So, pedigree is abundant.
Chris and Pat combined for seven points to lead the #9 Irish (6-4, 3-1 ACC) to a commanding victory over #15 University of North Carolina (8-5, 1-4 ACC), 12-5.
To the Contest
A very even opening quarter went back and forth with Pat Kavanagh (1g,3a) opening the scoring with his 20th.
Nicky Solomon (1g) answered a minute later.
Chris Kavanagh set up Jake Taylor (3g) for his first of the day and 18th of the campaign.
The Tarheels ended the first off a Lance Tillman (2g, 1a) tally fueled by Chris Gray.
The Gray helper pushed his scoring streak to 53 games.
Domination Begins
Chris Gray (1g,2a) put UNC in front, 3-2 on a man advantage tally at 10:59….
Jake Taylor notched his 19th off a Pat Kavanagh set up with Chris Kavanagh (2g,1a) hitting an unassisted goal to close the half with the Irish in front, 4-3.
Notre Dame Takes Over
Whether it was ‘Luck of the Irish” or pure offense…probably a bit of both, Notre Dame stretched the lead to 9-3 at the half.
Eric Dobson (4g) at 14:11 and again at 13:31 on the advantage set up by Pat Kavanagh.
Chris Kavanagh must have felt upstaged and buried his 19tn.
Dobson, getting a hat trick in just five minutes followed by Taylor unassisted at 6:04 provided more damage.
It Continued
Fifty three seconds in, Dobson struck again.
Nick Harris recorded his first at 11:39 and, finally after 36:00 Cooper Frankenheiner broke the onslaught with his first career NCAA goal.
Will Andrick (1g) and Tillman with :57 showing, ended the 12-5 blitz.
Notes:
• Statistically, the game was close. Shots were 46-45 the Irish way with on goal leaning the Notre Dame way, 28-19.
• Turnovers had UNC with 11 and Notre Dame 10.
• Ground Balls went 34-26 for the Irish and Face-offs also went the Irish way, 13-7. Will Lunch went 11 of 17 for Notre Dame
Extra Man Ops had both squads hitting on 2 of 3.
The Tarheels got 11 saves from. Collin Krieg with Liam Entenmann making 14 for the victors.
Notre Dame Makes a Statement.
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.
