Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Warriors Break DP Drought in 16-7 Victory


When the Class of 2017 arrived at West Orange for the 2014 season, they joined a program that had never lost to the Dr. Phillips Panthers. That year the Panthers changed the narrative and reeled off five consecutive wins against the Warriors over the next three seasons, including two one-goal victories in the state playoffs. Not wanting to face the ignominious fate of being the only class of Warriors to never defeat DP, the seniors rose to the occasion Friday night, spurring their squad to a 16-7 victory over the Panthers.

The Warrior midfield contributed 10 goals in the victory, led by senior Daniel Luette’s five goals and one assist. Junior attackman, and former Panther, Mikey Berkman led all Warriors with seven points off of four goals and three assists. In fact, the Warrior offense clicked throughout the evening as all 16 goals were assisted. Seniors Zach Malaussena and Mike Ross joined Berkman in assisting on three goals each. Junior middie Nick Witten was the other multiple-goal scorer for the Warriors with three on the night.

The game was not at all as sloppy or undisciplined as the refs would make one think, calling a total of 19 penalties between both squads. None-the-less, the flags did fly giving both teams multiple man-up opportunities. The difference in the game can be pointed to the Warriors ability to take advantage of the opportunities and denying the Panthers of theirs. For the game, the Warriors scored on six-of-seven man-up possessions and stopped the Panthers seven-out-of-nine times.  

The Warrior defense was anchored by sophomore goalie Sam Malaussena’s 15 saves. They improved their play as the game wore on, allowing only one DP goal in the final 17 minutes. Senior d-pole Alex Kouchalakos led the defense with five caused turnovers.

Before the game, both teams joined at midfield to celebrate Yellow Brick Road – The Holden Flynn Foundation. The WO seniors presented YBRF with a check for $2,000 to go towards the charity’s work. John Ross presented an additional check for $1,000 on behalf of Subaru USA. The Warrior Lacrosse Family thanks everyone who attended the special night celebrating such a wonderful cause!

STATS
Goals: Luette, Daniel (5); Berkman (4); Witten (3); Malaussena (1); Mueller, Liam (1); Nastasi (1); Ross (1)
Assists: Berkman (3); Malaussena (3); Ross (3); Burdon (2); Witten (2); Luette, Daniel (1); Mueller, Liam (1); Mueller, Logan (1)
Ground Balls: Malaussena, Zach (9); Luette, Robert (4); Finch (3); Luette, Daniel (3); Ross (3); 8 players with two or fewer
Caused Turnovers:  Luette, Daniel (6); Kouchalakos (5); Fromberg (3); Hoover (3); Magac (3); 5 players with two or fewer
Face-Offs: Malaussena, Zach (10/23); Hoover (1/3); Haith (0/1)

Saves: Malaussena, Sam (15)

3 comments:

  1. Also, this is Casey Powell! That you for supporting our foundation and lacrosse players in need! Let's go Orange!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for your support, Casey! It means A LOT to the boys!!!

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