In clash of styles, Garnet Valley wins out over Springfield

SPRINGFIELD — The clash of styles in a back-and-forth first half Tuesday afternoon was obvious.

On one side, Garnet Valley’s preference was clear: To push the ball, quickly but carefully, and let their high-powered offense try to mount lengthy runs. Springfield’s approach was more deliberate, prizing long possessions and prudent shot selection.

Both teams knew that executing their plan well enough would undermine their opponents’ approach. Garnet Valley was the one that put the principle into practice.

The Jaguars’ ruthless attacking efficiency produced eight second-half goals, running away from top-seeded Springfield in a 13-7 win in the District 1 Class 3A semifinal.

The win books No. 4 Garnet Valley (17-3) a second straight trip to the District 1 final. Again, it’s Conestoga awaiting them after the No. 2 Pioneers handled No. 6 Radnor, 11-6. The final Thursday at West Chester Henderson (6 p.m.) is a rematch of last year’s 5-4 win for the then 15th-seeded Jags.

“We always want to strike first, so we want to make them play our game,” attackman Mitch Lachman said. “If we’re running the ball, they really can’t hold it. If we’re scoring goal after goal, they can’t play their game. We force them to rush the ball a little more. It definitely helps when we come out strong and get an early lead.”

The Jags didn’t exactly strike first, but they certainly struck most often, never trailing after Lachman and faceoff man Adam Oldrati scored within six seconds of each other midway through the first quarter. They held a slim 5-4 edge at halftime, but a 4-1 margin in the third put the game beyond reach.

When the Jaguars are firing as Tuesday, they simply pummel teams into submission, even one with the defensive reputation of Springfield (18-3). The Cougars were missing top defender Pat Clemens, as they have been for the last month, but Tuesday marked just the second time they’ve surrendered double-figure goals this year.

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Garnet Valley’s Adam Oldrati, right, wins a face-off against Springfield’s Zach Broomall as the Jaguars won, 13-7, Tuesday in the District 1 Class 3A semifinals. (Pete Bannan/Digital First Media)