Washington Twp. overcomes sluggish start, beats Eastern

It's an increasingly common problem for games with early-afternoon start times.

Thursday, traffic caused the Washington Township boys' lacrosse team to arrive at about 3:40 for a 3:45 game at Eastern.

And even though the Minutemen were given a few extra minutes to warm up, coach Steve Arata couldn't help but note that his team looked a little "flustered" at the start.

The Minutemen fell behind by three goals less than five minutes into the first quarter. But after that, "something just clicked," Arata said.

Washington Township went on a 7-1 run in the final seven minutes of the first quarter and held on for a 16-10 win against their Olympic Conference American Division rival.

"It was a great win," said senior midfielder Steve Chapman, who led Washington Township with three goals. "We knew they were going to be a tough team. We knew it wasn't going to be easy. And we fell behind early. But we pulled through in the end. We fought through, and we did it as a team."

Eight players scored for Washington Township.

Chapman was one of three Minutemen who netted hat tricks. Attackmen Frank DiStefano and Steve Gagliardi also scored three goals.

But even bigger for Washington Township (3-0 overall, 2-0 Olympic American) was the strong showing by junior goalkeeper D.J. Cheney.

After a rough first period, Cheney settled in and used several highlight-reel saves to preserve Washington Township's lead.

After Eastern (1-1, 1-1) netted its three early goals, the Vikings scored only three times over the next 21/2 quarters.

Cheney finished with 14 saves.

When the Minutemen fell behind, "we knew we had to pick it up," Cheney said. "The defense needed to start talking, stick to the game plan, and do all of those things that we do every day in practice. But I knew we would come back."

Cheney is splitting time in net this season with senior Matt Borie. The two have combined to allow just 13 goals in Washington Township's first three games.

"Right now, they're going to continue sharing time," Arata said, "which is not a bad problem to have. They're both doing phenomenal jobs.

"And our entire defense is playing well, too. Today, we just rose to the occasion and everybody contributed."

The win gives the Minutemen an early edge on what should be a tight division race.

Washington Township and Eastern will meet again May 2 at Township.

"Lacrosse is all about runs," Eastern coach Steve Picot said. "We can't allow them a seven-goal run to let them back in the game. . . .

"But hats off to them for playing a great game. And we'll get to see them again, so we're looking forward to that."

Washington Township   7 2 2 5 – 16

Eastern   4 1 1 4 – 10

Goals: WT-Steve Chapman 3, Nate Rhoads 2, Frank DiStefano 3, Steve Gagliardi 3, Chris Paulo, Lee Robledo, Ian Mitchell, Bill Cornelius 2; E-Mike Venner, Mike Jevic 3, Dean Grisoff 2, Nick DiNote 2, C.J. Penberthy, Alex Haubrich.

Saves: WT-D.J. Cheney 14; E-Peter Cava 11.