Strath Haven’s aggressive defense helps outscore C.B. South

NETHER PROVIDENCE – The stat sheets in lacrosse leave room for one assist. But Strath Haven put forth an argument to add another category Tuesday afternoon.

For most of the goals the Panthers scored in a 12-3 win over Central Bucks South in the first round of the District 1 Class 3A tournament, you could just as easily trace the final pass as the defender who made it happen. So often, offense for Haven was created by its defense, by clears interrupted and turnovers caused in the 10-man ride, frustrating the Titans by depriving them of the ball.

“When teams go against us, we tiger ride a lot, and they don’t see that a lot all throughout the season,” defender Kevin Morris said. “We’re one of only a couple of teams that do that. They don’t’ come in ready for the ride. When they get the ride from us, I don’t think they’re ready for us. They’re mentally not ready for our ride.”

The turnovers had a demoralizing effect, helping 15th seeded Strath Haven run out to an 11-1 lead by early in the fourth quarter. With Morris, Charlie Dawes, Greg Belville and Jeb Finney creating turnovers at will, Haven was able to extend possession, control the clock and make sure the No. 18 Titans had to fight for every inch every time they had the ball.

Dawes showed it in the first quarter, picking off an attempted clear that led to Austin Conner’s second tally of the afternoon. Tate Gorman checked one out of a rushing defender’s hands in the third quarter, leading to a Robbie Guilday goal.

With Charlie Bogert backing the aggression with eight saves, Haven controlled the game. Even winning just 10 of 19 faceoffs (Christian Mazur was 7-for-12), they held a 32-13 edge in shots after three quarters. It was more than enough to book a date Thursday with second-seeded Radnor.

Conner and Wade Mutz divvied up the role of cashing in all that possession in the first half. Mutz had a hat trick, and Conner would finish his in the third quarter to go with a helper. Matt Faggioli, who also scored twice, dished three assists. Mazur accounted for two and one.

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