RAM-BUSHED! Upstart Vikings mowed down by Major's five goals

Confidence plays a huge role in the game of lacrosse. Heading into Tuesday night’s showdown with league-leading Spring-Ford, the Perkiomen Valley Vikings were confident that they could play with the Rams, who have yet to suffer a league defeat, for 48 minutes.

Seven minutes into the game, that “confidence” appeared to be well justified as Perkiomen Valley used a swarming zone defensive scheme to hogtie the Rams potent scoring attack. Following a Pete Sciafani goal at the 7:16 mark, PV held a 1-0 lead over the home squad.

“We knew we couldn’t just try to stay with them all night,” said Vikings head coach Andy Wagner. “We went to a zone to neutralize some of their speed. It worked for a while, but when you keep a couple of them under control it frees up someone else.”

Following four outstanding saves by Vikings freshman goaltender Bryce Womack, Perkiomen Valley had grabbed the momentum and the attention of Rams head coach Kevin Donnelly, who promptly called time out.

“They are so good around the net that I was just trying the cover the ball,” said Womack, who had 39 shots rifled his way on the night. “I have confidence in my defense to cover the open men and take away the rebound chances. They [Spring-Ford] really make it tough in the zone as they move the ball very well.”

As play resumed with 5 minutes remaining in the first period, helped by a four consecutive goal out burst by sophomore Paul Major, the turf at Coach McNelly Stadium tilted in the Rams favor as Spring-Ford scored 15 of the next 16 goals in the game, with the lone Perkiomen Valley tally coming with 4:01 left in second as the Rams claimed an 11-2 lead at the intermission.

“We knew they were a decent team coming in,” said Paul Major. “We have really worked hard on coming out strong, but tonight they really played us tough to start the game. We made some adjustments during that timeout and were able to get back to possessing the ball.”

Spring-Ford (10-0 league, 12-1 overall) scored all four third period goals and built a 15-2 advantage heading into the final period.

“I have to say it again,” said Rams goaltender Jared Novia. “I love our communication as a team. Our defense talks to each other so well that even after they got that early goal on us, we got right back into our game and shut them down. It is so much fun to play behind these guys.”

To the Vikings credit, they did not give up: the fourth quarter was owned by Perkiomen Valley. Junior Ryan Boyd (5 points overall) scored twice, Sciafani added a second goal, and Jake Lynn and Dennis Flynn also scored to cut the final deficit to seven. The partial comeback may rebuild some of the Vikings' confidence before the two clubs meet again on Thursday afternoon at Perkiomen Valley.

“I think playing on grass will help us,” added Andy Wagner. “The ball slows down more and it will negate some of their speed advantage. We still have to come out and stop them in our zone which again will be a challenge. I really liked how our guys battled tonight back in the fourth quarter. That showed a lot of pride. We did a good job on shutting down Bock and Manzo and we got beat by Thomas and Major. That’s what makes them such a good team. ”

“We came out tonight and won a game that we had to,” said Drew Thomas. “They [Perkiomen Valley] have played some very good teams tough so we knew we had to be ready to go tonight. Paul had an amazing game, and again our defense stepped up and did a great job limiting their open chances. We have Pottsgrove [Wednesday] and these guys again Thursday, so it’s going to be a tough week.”

Perkiomen Valley (3-4 league, 5-4 overall) remained three points ahead of Boyertown for the fourth playoff seeding in the Pioneer Athletic Conference standings, while Spring-Ford maintained a six-point lead on Owen J. Roberts for the top spot. Spring-Ford will travel to Perkiomen Valley in a game slated for a 3:45 pm start.

“It was important for us to keep fighting in the fourth period tonight,” added Womack. “It was our way of saying, 'You might knock us down but we are still here!' That was huge as we play them again Thursday and we want them to know we will be ready to go again on our field.”

 Perkiomen Valley scoring

Sciafani  2 goals, assist

Boyd  2 goals, 3 assists

Klementisz  goal

Tornetta  assist

Lynn  goal, assist

Flynn  goal

Womack-  13 saves

Spring-Ford scoring

Major  5 goals

Thomas   2 goals, 7 assists

Bock  3 goals,  2 assists

Kelly  2 assists

Ulmann   goal

Manzo  2 goals assist

Glowacki   goal