The Hill School lax team rocks Cape 12-8 in physical game
The Hill School lacrosse players stepped onto the screaming green pitch of Legends Stadium at 6 p.m., April 30, a half-hour before game time. The Rams were dressed in short-sleeved gray Under Armour tees. Most players looked thick and muscular like weight room guys. They began ripping shots into an empty net.
The culture clash of styles commenced at 6:30, physical versus fitness, steep tuition versus free. Rocky the Ram is an apt mascot for the boys from Pottstown, Pa., who play a physical style of lacrosse. Yellow flags began flying like jaundiced shorebirds early and often. The Hill School led 7-2 at the half. Mikey Frederick and Hank D’Ambrogi scored first-half goals for Cape.
“We had a tough time adjusting to the speed of play in the first half and didn’t take advantage of scoring opportunities,” said coach Mark D’Ambrogi. “As a result, we had to play catch-up and forced plays and made some unforced turnovers.”
Cape actually won the second half 6-5, but could get no closer than the final score of 12-8.
“I thought we did a good job in the second half with our intensity and played much better,” D'Ambrogi said. “It's a big adjustment from one opponent to another, and we have to do a better job of being ready to play our most skilled opponents.”
Cape goalie Evan Erhardt had 18 saves. “He has been a great leader for our defense,” D’Ambrogi said.
C.J. Fritchman won 15 of 23 face-offs.
Frederick, D’Ambrogi and Luke Burton each scored two goals, while the Vikings got single goals from Jake Schell and Joe Coveleski.
Cape assists were Coveleski, Mike Geunther, D’Ambrogi, Schell and Fritchman each with one.
The shots on goal were 32-31 in favor of The Hill School.
The Hill School was assessed 13 penalties in the game.
Cape falls to 7-2 on the season. They will host Salesianum at 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 3.
Notes: The Hill School has lost to Belmont Hill 9-8, Hill Academy of Canada 8-7 and McDonough School 12-3. The Hill School beat Greenwich Country Day 20-4, Northfield Mount Hermon 23-7, Westtown School 10-5, Avon Old Farms 10-9, Blair Academy 19-7, The Hun school 9-6, Cape 12-8 and The Peddie School 17-6.
Cape is 7-2 on the season with wins over Episcopal 13-10, Polytech 21-0, Dover 20-0, Sussex Central 23-1, Milford 26-1, Tower Hill 19-4, Caesar Rodney 19-3. Cape lost to Radnor (Pa.) 12-8 and The Hill School 12-8.
