Avon Grove beats Garnet Valley in boys' lacrosse state quarterfinal
It would be easy to look at Avon Grove's 10-5 win over Garnet Valley on Saturday at Methacton and chalk the PIAA Class 3A quarterfinal victory up to a double-digit scoring outburst.
It would be easy to look at Avon Grove's 10-5 win over Garnet Valley on Saturday at Methacton and chalk the PIAA Class 3A quarterfinal victory up to a double-digit scoring outburst.
To do so, however, would be to overlook the spectacular goaltending of Kevin Malone.
Malone, a senior who will attend Catholic University next season, finished with 13 saves, six of which came in the first period.
In fact, an early sequence underscores the point.
Trailing, 1-0, in the first quarter, the Garnet Valley Jaguars (18-6) prowled for the equalizer, peppering Malone with three shots in one possession.
The last two saves in this sequence were of the point-blank variety.
Once the Red Devils (21-2) secured the ball, the ensuing possession led to a Zach Augustine goal.
"I love making those big saves," Malone said, smiling. "Right on the doorstep. That's probably one of my favorites when I get a chance to do that."
Garnet Valley, which handled St. Joseph's Prep in the first round, appeared frustrated by the combination of Malone's saves and its own unforced turnovers.
Augustine, a sophomore, finished with two goals, while senior Brendan Harmon added three more. Junior attacker Joey Borcky also tallied three times.
The Red Devils (21-2) dominated the action on both ends throughout the contest.
Garnet Valley (18-6), which didn't score its first goal until there were 5 minutes, 55 seconds left in the second quarter, was led by two goals from Evan Trizonis.
On Tuesday, Avon Grove will face Central Bucks East, which it beat, 8-3, on April 3 and, 10-9, May 23, in the District 1 semifinals.
The Red Devils eventually lost to Conestoga in the District championship game.
"This was a big game," said Malone, whose older brother, Tommy, played goalie for the Red Devils in 2013. "One step closer to our biggest goal. We played a full four quarters and came back with a 'W.' "
"I just love playing with the boys," Malone added. "We're all a family here. We come to practice every day with the mentality that we have to work hard or we'll lose. I just love lacrosse. I love Avon Grove, and I'm proud to be a Red Devil."
Avon Grove 2 3 3 2 - 10
Garnet Valley 0 2 2 1 - 5
AG: Brendan Harman 3, Joey Borcky 3, Zach Augustine 2, Jake Smith, Scooter Whiteside.
GV: Evan Trizonis 2, Hunter Baar, Jake D'Annunzio, Jake Morin.
Saves: AG - Kevin Malone 13; GV - Jason Rose 11.