Boys lax aims for second straight title

By Tracy Cook, Staff Reporter

After receiving a bye as the top seeded District I team, Conestoga faced 17th ranked Hatboro-Horsham in the second round of district playoffs. After defeating the Hatters 15-3, Conestoga went on to face Abington and Pennsbury, easily blowing past both teams with scores of 14-1 and 11-3, respectively.

Thursday night, after a slow start offensively resulting in a 3-2 deficit at halftime, Conestoga roared back in the second half to defeat a strong Central Bucks East team, 10-4. But the boys aren’t taking these large margins of victory for granted.

“We still have to play [our opponents] like they’re a very good team,” junior midfielder Zack Gregory said. “We know that teams are going to be after us, just because we are the reigning state champions, and we just have to play our best.”

Combined, a productive high scoring offense and a tenacious turnover-causing defense could carry the Pioneers far into the state playoffs, where they will hope to claim the title for the second year in a row.

“Our seniors want to defend our state championship and the District I title,” head coach Brian Samson said. “I think they’re pretty confident in what they’re capable of.”

Conestoga will play in the first round of the state playoffs on June 1. If the team reaches the state championship game, they will play in Hershey Park Stadium on June 11.

Tracy Cook can be reached at tcook@stoganews.com.