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Haverford School tops Conestoga at Samson festival

Henry Blynn didn't even have a chance to celebrate.

Haverford School's Will Gural (left) and Kerry Kynett celebrate after
Kynett scored. (Ron Tarver/Staff Photographer)
Haverford School's Will Gural (left) and Kerry Kynett celebrate after Kynett scored. (Ron Tarver/Staff Photographer)Read more

Henry Blynn didn't even have a chance to celebrate.

As his shot from the right point reached the net for his second goal of the first half, the Haverford School attackman was leveled to the Radnor turf by a Conestoga defender.

The hit left Blynn dazed enough to not even realize that an unnecessary-roughness penalty had been signaled.

With his chance at celebration stripped, the senior created plenty of more opportunities, as he scored five more times for a game-high seven goals and Haverford topped Conestoga, 13-8, in the marquee boys' lacrosse game Saturday at the 12th annual Katie Samson Festival.

The event raises money for spinal cord research and programs for people with disabilities.

The Fords entered the game ranked first in the state by PhillyLacrosse.com and third in the nation by ESPN. Conestoga was second in the state and No. 7 in the nation.

"When I play better teams, I make better decisions," said Blynn, who has committed to Brown. ". . . I take less risks, and if I take risks, it's going to be a good risk."

Haverford School coach John Nostrant said he thought Blynn's second goal set the tone for the Fords. Their aggressive attack led to long possessions, which began to frustrate Pioneers defenders.

"They weren't too happy," Blynn said.

Blynn took advantage of the two-minute unreleasable penalty assessed after his hit, scoring an unassisted goal just 15 seconds later. He celebrated with his stick raised high with one hand as teammates surrounded him.

The Fords entered halftime up by 5-1 and opened the second half with three goals in the first 3 minutes, 39 seconds.

Trailing by seven, Conestoga struck back as Connor Frisina scored his first of the game. Four minutes later, Andrew DeStefano and Brad Lord scored 13 seconds apart and Conestoga edged within four goals.

But after Frisina scored another to cut the lead to 8-5, Blynn stopped the rally with a goal.

"Our shots went today, and sometimes those are hit-and-miss," Nostrant said.

In the fourth, Haverford scored twice on another two-minute unreleasable penalty by Conestoga. After the second goal, Warner Bailey needed just five seconds to score unassisted off a draw and the Fords led, 12-7.

Blynn capped the afternoon with a goal with 1:35 to play.

Fords goaltender Jake Landman played well and turned away 12 shots for the win. He settled in nicely after allowing an early goal in the second quarter.

"We knew it was just one," the junior said. "You have to shake it off and have short-term memory. It's a long game."

Conestoga   0152-8

Haverford School   0454-13

Goals: C-Tyler Brooke 3, Andrew DeStefano, Connor Frisina 2, Brad Lord, Jake Scott; HS-Henry Blynn 7, Timmy Brooks, Will Gural, Reilly Hupfeldt, Gavin McBride, Zach Rego, Sam Rohr.

Saves: C-Robbie Zonino 7; HS-Jake Landman 12.

Girls. Brittany Edwards and Avery Murphy scored five times each to lift Great Valley over Notre Dame, 18-7. . . . Kelly Cross' two goals and three assists helped Upper Dublin top Friends' Central, 10-9. . . . Bridget Steinetz recorded eight saves and Catherine Bendinelli scored three times as Villa Maria topped West Chester Henderson, 14-10. . . . Brooke Kiley scored three times in the second half as Germantown Academy topped Abington, 12-7.

Boys. Senior Mac Gallagher scored four times and added an assist as Shipley earned its first victory over Haverford High, 11-6. . . . Tyler Odell scored five times and Curtis Zappala had three assists to lead Episcopal Academy over Springfield (Delco), 12-3. . . . Hatboro-Horsham picked up its ninth straight win with an easy 10-1 romp over Archbishop Wood. Jimmy Durking had three assists. . . . Matt Rambo scored twice and set up two more as La Salle edged Downingtown East, 11-10.