Bullis edges Loyola Blakefield, 5–4 in the 4th annual PNC Invitational
If you were expecting a high scoring game between Bullis and Loyola Blakefield on Saturday night in the PNC Invitational, than you were let down.
Both teams played to a combined 9 points as the Bulldogs edged the Dons, 5–4 in the fourth annual installment of the spring high school lacrosse doubleheader.
It was a beautiful night for lacrosse at the Ridley Athletic Complex on the campus of Loyola University.
Senior Alex Trippi (2 goals, 1 assist) had a three-point night and Jonathan Bender (2 goals) -who started at attack from his natural position of midfield- scored a couple, including the go-ahead goal in the fourth quarter.
Coming out to a venue like this and playing a team from the MIAA it was really fun,” said Trippi who is committed to North Carolina. “We didn’t try to do too much. We just came out flying and had some fun.”
The game saw both teams tie the score three times, including the halftime score locked at 2–2.
The Dons took their first lead at 9:42 of the third quarter when Ryan Dunn (2 goals, 1 assist) found junior midfielder Liam Bateman for the score.
Trippi and sophomore Robert Schain helped the Bulldogs regain the lead.
Dun responded to tie the game at 4.
Then Bender delivered the eventual game winner midway through the fourth quarter. The Dons got possession to set up for a final shot to try to send the game to overtime but Bullis goalie Chris Del Rosario made a good save (9) on Bateman and the Bulldogs completed their second win in a row at the PNC event over an MIAA team.
Bullis head coach Jeff Bellistri gave his goalie high praise in such a low scoring game. “He sees the ball, he stops the ball. He does it in practice and in every game. He’s the best uncommitted goalie in the country.”
Bateman (2 goals) said the Bullis defense played a great zone and that Del Rosario made a great save.
The Bulldogs have played seven games in thirteen days and play on Monday then the IAC league games start next Thursday when Bullis plays rival, Landon.
Bellistri said his team will rest their legs and get some ice baths in and be ready to go on Monday.
Stats:
Loyola Blakefield: Goals: Dunn 2, Bateman 2; Assists: Clothier, Dunn
Saves: Stout 6
Bullis: Goals: Trippi 2, Bender 2, Schain; Assists: Trippi;
Saves: Del Rosario 9
