Second-seeded LaSalle (17-4) the two-time defending APAC and Class AAA Flyers Cup champion, will face Holy Ghost Prep, a 4-1 winner over Malvern Prep for the APAC title next Wednesday at Grundy Arena (5 p.m. start). Third-seeded St. Joseph’s Prep will learn Sunday evening where it is seeded for the upcoming Class AAA Flyers Cup.
La Salle’s performance in the semifinal was a study in precision.
Will Gregorio got things started for the Explorers just 4:30 into the first period after the Hawks coughed up the puck inside their own zone allowing Gregorio and open look from the left circle. Luca Staffani made it 2–0 at the 7:55 mark when he put in a rebound of Michael Zarzycki’s shot from the left wing. Grant LaGreca made it 3-0 on a tip-in with 1:10 left in the period.
“I think the boys were really ready to get out here,” Gregorio said. “This was I think the first time we’ve had a full roster; the full team playing. I think we were excited and we were ready to play.”
Nole Donohue extended La Salle’s lead with 5:25 left in the second period. Julian Tarsi added another goal 4:20 into the third period after Donohue’s shot from the left circle was blocked. Daniel Burke and Donohue added additional goals.
The Hawks (10-9) never really got started.
“They totally outplayed is from the start to the finish,” said St. Joseph’s coach David Giacomin. “We didn’t cover anybody in the beginning and got down two or three goals right away. “We’re not built for coming back from three or four-goal deficits. We’re not that type of team.”
The third period was marred by an assortment of eight penalties, four against each team including three misconducts, adding up to 40 minutes. An additional misconduct penalty was rescinded.
La Salle assistant coach P.J. Quinn stressed the importance of maintaining discipline.
“I thought we came out and got the puck deep and low in their end,” he said. “Pressuring their {defense}. “Our guts performed the first two periods really good; the third period we got a little undisciplined. Which is out of character for us.”
St. Joseph’s Prep 0 0 0—0
La Salle 3 1 3—7
First-period goals: Will Gregorio (L) from Grant LaGreca, 4:30; Luca Staffani (L) from Michael Zarzycki and Jake Warner, 7:55; LaGreca (L) from Daniel Burke and Staffani, 15:50
Second-period goal: Nole Donohue from Julian Tarsi and Alex Gibson, 11:25
Third-period goal: Tarsi (L) from Donohue, 4:20; Burke (L) from Declan Kelly, 8:43; Donohue (L) from Alastair St. Hilaire
Shots: St. Joseph’s Prep 21, La Salle 25; Saves: Declan Geary (SJP) 18, Jake Rossi (L) 21
– Rick Woelfel, www.hockeyhappenings.com
