Big win in big wind for Cape boys’ lax

Vikings score 13-10 victory over Episcopal Academy

C.J. Fritchman claims one of his 14 face-off wins in the game. DAVE FREDERICK PHOTOS

Dave Frederick

March 29, 2022

It was a big win in big wind March 28, as the Cape boys’ lacrosse team opened the 2022 season with a 13-10 win over Episcopal Academy of Newtown Square, Pa.

The weather was freezing, yet the Vikings came out hot, racing to a 6-1 first-quarter lead and settling into a 9-3 halftime advantage. Cape stayed outside at halftime while most fans sheltered in their cars.

“Just not worth the time getting in and out of a crowded locker room,” said coach Mark D’Ambrogi. “We had some things we needed to talk about.”

The Churchmen made a run in the third quarter, outscoring the suddenly stone-cold Vikings 4-0 to trail 9-7 entering the final frame.

But the chasing Churchmen could get no closer, as Cape won the fourth quarter 4-3 for a 13-10 victory. Last season, on the front end of a 1-1 home and away series, Cape lost on the road by an identical score of 13-10.

Cape was led in scoring by Hank D’Ambrogi with six goals and two assists. Luke Burton tallied three to earn his first varsity hat trick. Jack Schell, coming from up top, had two goals, while Joe Coveleski and Cody Trivits each had one goal. Michael Guenther had an assist.

Mikey Frederick, playing some midfield for the first time, had two assists and six ground balls. Long stick middie Andrew Wolak had seven ground balls and flashed his 50-flat 400-meter speed. Hunter Jones, a track guy and first-time long pole midfielder, also had an impact clearing the ball.

C.J. Fritchman was a huge factor in the game, winning 14 face-offs. Goalie Evan Erhardt had nine saves.

Cape outshot Episcopal 37-27.

Cape is scheduled to host Polytech at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 30, then play at Tower Hill at 1 p.m., Saturday, April 2.

Scoopers - The Cape win over Episcopal, from the tough Inter-Academic League, which includes Malvern and the Haverford School, is arguably the biggest win over an out-of-state opponent in the last 13 years. Phillylacrosse.com ranks the top 15 boys’ teams in the tri-state region (Philly, New Jersey and Delaware) and had Episcopal ranked No. 5 and Cape ranked No. 14. Later in the season, Cape will play No. 3 Radnor, No. 7 Salesianum and No. 13 The Hill School. Sanford School is also on the rim of the top 15.