Severna Park Boys Lacrosse Overcomes Slow Start, Advances Past Crofton

Eight Straight Second-Half Goals Spur Falcons’ 14-4 Win

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On paper, Friday’s regional boys lacrosse semifinal between Severna Park and Crofton could have been a blowout. On the field, though, the Falcons quickly found themselves in an unusual situation: their hands more than full with their underdog opposition.

Despite a sluggish first half, the Falcons answered their wake-up call and found a way to battle past Crofton 14-4, advancing in the 3A South Region II tournament and keeping their dreams of a seventh straight state championship, and state record-extending 12th overall, alive.

“Crofton was much improved from the first time we played them,” said Severna Park coach Dave Earl, referencing April’s 12-1 Falcons victory. “It took half the game for us to wake up, and I’m glad the boys stepped up to the challenge.”

It was a much improved second half performance, after a dogged Crofton effort frustrated Severna Park in the first. The Falcons trailed 1-0 after the first quarter as they struggled to find quality shots, and they looked to be laboring toward halftime with the scores level despite largely controlling the game both in possession and scoring chances.

“We had the best shooting practice we had all week yesterday, and then we go out and shoot 15 percent in the first half when our goal is 33 percent,” Earl said. “Their goalie is excellent, and when they have an excellent goalie, you have to take great shots.”

The great shots started hitting when Duke Sealey netted for a 4-3 lead with 47 seconds remaining in the first half. The Falcons scored again almost immediately after the opening face-off in the third quarter, then capitalized on a man up situation when Crofton took a 30-second penalty. In total, Severna Park scored nine straight goals to build an unassailable 12-3 advantage. The Falcons defense held Crofton goalless for nearly 22 minutes during that stretch.

Andrew Myers and Alex Sroble each scored three goals for the Falcons, while Jack Fish netted twice. Ryan LaRocque, Tim Sullivan, Kevin Breddeck, Camden Webb and Tucker Moran also hit the score sheet. Goaltender Ashby Shepherd made six saves.

Severna Park will host Chesapeake in the 3A South Region II championship game Monday at 6:45pm.

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