Pennridge falls in 2nd round

Following Pennridge’s 19-3 loss to No. 3 seed Conestoga in the second round of the PIAA District 1-AAA boys lacrosse playoffs Thursday, Rams head coach JP Banks remained optimistic.

“This loss in no way puts a damper on our season,” said Banks, whose squad finished the season with a 12-8 record. “We’re coming off our first district playoff win in school history, we’ve got a young team – we start six sophomores and one freshman – and we’re looking forward to next season.”

Two days ago, Pennridge, the No. 14 seed, edged 19th seed Unionville 13-12 in the opening round of the district playoffs.

“I’m proud of our team,” said Banks. “I think we played a more competitive game than we did the last time against Conestoga (a 19-1 loss May 6). I think we played a lot tougher this time. I think our goalie (junior Tristan Banks, the coach’s nephew) played a lot better this time.”

Banks made a number of fine

saves Thursday, despite the fact that he was facing a barrage of shots from the talented Pioneers, who enjoyed a 32-10 shots-on-goal advantage. Banks finished with 11 saves.

Conestoga jumped out to an 8-0 lead by the middle of the second quarter, when Pennridge sophomore attack Nick Fanelli broke the scoring ice for the Rams. A few minutes later, Pennridge sophomore attack Kevin Britner scored at 2:16 before halftime to make it 9-2.

Sophomore midfielder Ryan Garner scored the Rams’ final goal with 8:52 left in the third quarter to make it 12-3.

“I hope our players learn from this experience,” said Coach Banks. “Playing a good team like Conestoga can be a good learning experience for our team.”