Boys Lacrosse Upsets Previously Unbeaten Sanford, Celebrates Penna Day
In the rain and wind on Saturday, May 7, the boys lacrosse team took on the previously undefeated and higher ranked Sanford Warriors at home, defeating them in a notable 13-6 upset. The game also marked the fourth annual Penna Day, held in memory of Anthony Penna, attack player for the Archmere lacrosse program who passed away tragically following a car accident in October of 2017. The Auks wore commemorative red and white uniforms in honor of Anthony.
The defense on both teams came out strong and proved resilient, as the highly anticipated game remained scoreless in the first few minutes. The excitement began halfway through the first quarter. After a goal by Sanford at the 7 - minute mark, “The Auks won a ground ball after the faceoff, and Conor Udovich fired a pass to an unmarked Dan Kupiec in front the net. Kupiec decked and sent a shot past Taylor as he was leveled from behind, tying the score.”
Sanford took control of the rest of the quarter, but after a timeout, “The Auks turned the momentum beginning with a goal by Alex Starnes on a top-shelf turnaround shot with 4:45 to go. Jack O’Neill won the faceoff, and Aidan Mahoney took the ball down the left side, cut in front and scored to cut the Sanford lead to one. Colin Arcari tied the score with 48 seconds left in the half, sending a shot in while being flattened, and O’Neill did it himself off the next faceoff to put Archmere in front by a goal at the half.”
After the half, Archmere dominated the game, beginning the third quarter with sophomore Drew Duncan’s double spin, marking his first of four goals. Archmere junior and faceoff specialist Jack O’Neill was pivotal in the Auks’ win. The team boasted a 43-30 shot advantage, and senior goalie Conor France recorded 16 saves.
Offensively, sophomore Drew Duncan led the Auks with four goals, and juniors Danny Kupiec and Alex Starnes each had two.
Dr. Rob Penna '85, his wife Melanie, and daughter Gabby '20 joined the lacrosse team in their celebration and were on hand to spread awareness about the Anthony Penna Charitable Fund, which raises money for local performing arts initiatives.
Archmere improved to 10-1. They travel to Tatnall on Tuesday, May 10 for a 3:45 p.m. matchup before closing out the regular season with three straight home games.
Archmere Academy is a private, Catholic, college preparatory co-educational academy,
grades 9-12 founded in 1932 by the Norbertine Fathers.
grades 9-12 founded in 1932 by the Norbertine Fathers.
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