On a great day in May, the Saints travelled to Tower Hill to play Salesianum in a game that was rescheduled from Friday when the rain had rendered the Sals’ field unplayable.   Going into the game, Salesianum was undefeated and had not won by fewer than five goals all season.  Despite all of the festivities of Arts Weekend, the Saints’ players were somehow able to collect themselves and prepare for a battle.  And battle they did.  After one quarter the score stood at 2 – 1 and at halftime, the Saints were tied at 3.  At the intermission, the coaching staff eyed a tired Saints corps and encouraged them to take it one quarter at a time.  In the next twelve mins., the Saints played some flawless lacrosse and led the undefeated Sals 5 – 3 with just three and a half minutes to go in the fourth.  But the explosive Sals answered to even the score at five going into the fourth and then scored the go-ahead goal just ninety seconds into the fourth.  There would be no scoring for six minutes with the Saints and Sals trading punches up and down the field.  Finally, the Saints scored the equalizer with just under five minutes to go in the final frame.  Just one and half minutes later the Sals went up again on an unassisted shot by certain All Stater, Groux.  All Salesianum needed to do now was possess the ball and take the time off the clock for a win. There was no way that the Saints would go away though as the tenacious Saints defense dislodged the ball and cleared it into the Saints offensive end.  Taylor White took the ball behind and beat his man from X, however his shot sailed wide and Taylor was left bloody on the field with a penalty coming to Salesianum with forty seconds left on the clock.  The only problem was – no Taylor White who already had three goals and two assists in the game.  Still, the Saints got a shot but were unable to convert as time ran out on their upset bid.  Both Milspaugh and White were potent again on offense with Jordy Gowan adding a key assist and many great shots.  Junior Garrett Hart was also amazing with a huge shot in the first half that rang off the post.  While this was truly a team effort, the defense deserves special mention.  Ben McDonald’s amazing containment of Salesianum’s top offensive player as well as his numerous knockdowns and intercepted passes demonstrated why he is one of the top close defensemen in the state.  Van Fossan and Akintilo were ever diligent holding the entire attack to four goals!  As well Henry Mellon and Russell Train were stellar at defensive midfield scooping numerous ground balls and denying the midfielders their usual dodge and dump offense.  The whole day for the Saints and the level of intensity and heads up play can be summed up in one play.  In the second quarter,  Will MacIntosh left the confines of the crease to clear the ball up field however he lost it and while scrambling to get back to the goal, the Sals picked it up and quickly worked for a shot.  As the ball was released, sophomore Cam McDonald had the presence of mind and the courage to jump into the cage where he used his shoulder and upper arm to stop the shot! Giving everything up for the team was the Saints’ mantra Saturday. 

         The Saints play their final game against Friends on Tuesday in Wilmington.