Mallards capture ESIAC championship title
'It's a pretty good year,' says coach of season when boys beat Decatur, won champ.
LISA CAPITELLI n Staff Writer
OCEAN CITY TODAY/LISA CAPITELLI Worcester Prep's Zach Harman (3) shields the ball from a Gunston Day player during the Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference championship in Berlin last Friday. Worcester won the game, 15-4. (May 15, 2009) Worcester Prep Boys' Lacrosse Coach Kevin Gates opted not to participate in the Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference in 2008 in order to add stronger competition to his team's schedule. The Mallards won four consecutive conference championships prior to 2008. Back in the ESIAC this year, Worcester added another championship trophy and banner to its collection after defeating Gunston Day 15-4 in the finals on May 8.
Gates had anticipated playing Sussex Tech for the ESIAC title because the squad topped Gunston 18-4 on May 2. But in the conference semifinals, it was Gunston who came out on the winning end over Sussex Tech, 13-6.
"I didn't think we were going to be playing [Gunston]. I give them a lot of credit," Gates said. "We kind of hit them early. The last few games we've been playing well offensively at the beginning. It's nice when you're playing well at the end of the year."
"I thought it was a great game," said four-year varsity player, senior Stephen Pappas. "We played hard, everybody got in and it was fun."
Brad Harris led the team with three goals and two assists. Brad Regan scored three goals and had one assist. Justin Butler and Hunter Marshall netted two apiece. Billy Tyler, Ryan McGuire, Jake Emche and Chris Fisher all tallied a goal. Worcester goalie Peter Buas played the field in the fourth quarter and scored his first career goal.
"It was absolutely exciting in every way, shape and form," Buas said after his goal.
The Mallards ended the season with an 11-2 record. Players who earned First Team All-Conference are Harris (top midfielder), Butler (top attackman), Marshall (top long stick midfielder), Pappas (top defender) and Fisher.
"I think it was a pretty good year," Pappas said. "I would sum my four years up with having a great coaching staff and an overall great four years of my life."
Regan and Alex Ternahan were named to the All-Conference Second Team and McGuire received Honorable Mention honors. Gates was Conference Coach of the Year.
"I can't complain too much when we only lose two games," Gates said of the season. "When you win a championship and you beat Decatur it's a pretty good year."
