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The Blue Streaks suffered a season-ending 10-3 loss to LaSalle Tuesday night in the PIAA boys' lacrosse semifinals at Governor Mifflin.
The defeat closes the curtains on a senior class that won three L-L League titles and four District Three crowns, building a resume that all lacrosse teams in District Three will try to match.
"It's a special group. It's a group that leaves with seven championships," MT coach Rich Lefever said of his seniors. "Two state finals, two state semifinals. It's too close to the moment right now, but once it wears away they'll realize what they've done. They've taken this program to another level."
LaSalle (21-4) will play Conestoga (24-1) in the first-ever PIAA boys' lacrosse championship game at Hersheypark Stadium Saturday at 2 p.m.
Township (20-6) held the Explorers to one goal in the first quarter behind the stellar play of goalie Brian Heckert, who stopped six shots in the quarter.
"I was happy with the first quarter," Lefever said. "One of our points of emphasis was that we didn't want them to get in a comfort zone. I thought the kids did that. They battled and they battled hard."
"Figuring out the zone," LaSalle coach Bill Leahy said of his team's first-quarter offense. "We don't like zones. It took some time but we figured it out and their goalie was great. He made some great saves."
LaSalle neutralized the Streaks' zone defense in the second quarter, pumping in five scores. Patrick Resch, Nick Cruice, Derek Bogorowski, Randy Forster and Westy Hopkins all netted shots for the Explorers in the second quarter, while Dan Wertz put the Streaks on the board with a Conner DuBois assist.
"We didn't get as many offensive looks that we should have," Lefever explained. "Honestly, I think we had some jitters and had some unforced errors, which is uncharacteristic of us."
Trailing 6-1 at halftime, the Blue Streaks put together a two-goal run in the third quarter when Rob Wertz scored on a crease drive, and DuBois ripped a shot to make it 6-3 with 4:55 left in the quarter. The Explorers added a transition goal with 17 seconds left in the third quarter.
Township had an opportunity to gain momentum late in the third quarter when Rob Wertz's point-blank shot hit the crossbar and two Streaks' shots sailed wide.
"No doubt the momentum comes back in our favor if we get those," Lefever said.
LaSalle netted three more shots in the fourth while its defense put up a wall around its goal.
"Best defense we've played," Dan Wertz said. "If you didn't get the shot off they were going to hit you. I give all the credit to them, they outworked us tonight, but we were working hard."
With their careers are in the record books, the Streaks' seniors were able to reflect on what they've achieved in four years.
Credit to their success, according to DuBois, goes to the Blue Streaks coaching staff.
"Especially coach Lefever. He pushes you harder than anyone does," said DuBois, who will play lacrosse at Roanoke. "If you're not willing to work hard, you won't get anything out of it."
For seniors Dan Wertz, an Ohio State recruit, and Nick Sizemore, who will play football at Buffalo, family and tradition is what they'll take with them.
"We're like a family. We're all together as one," said Wertz. "I am definitely proud of what we've done in our four years."
"I am very pleased. It's been a fun ride playing with all of these guys and the older kids too," said Sizemore. "Everyone just keeps learning through everyone else throughout the years and we're building upon tradition."
E-mail: mblymier@lnpnews.com
