Summit Stays Perfect in OT Thriller, Beats Seton Hall Prep 6-5

This matchup consisted of a struggling Seton Hall Prep (1-2) squad looking to find its rhythm, while Summit (4-0) has started this year red-hot and really hadn't had a competitive game yet, winning its first four games by an average of close to 10 goals.   The big factor, as it usually is going up against the Hilltoppers, was going to be how SHP handled Summit's zone defense and if the Pirates could jump out to a lead. However, thanks to great defensive work by a host of senior down-defensemen consisting of [player_tooltip player_id='82261' first='John' last='Conniff'] (Providence), Jake Reimold (Sacred Heart), and [player_tooltip player_id='175880' first='Ryan' last='Bancone'] (St. Joe's), the Pirates never found themselves in the driver's seat.   Offensively, SHP senior attackman [player_tooltip player_id='24402' first='Owen' last='Dunleavy'] (UMBC) came up clutch late in the game and finished with a pair of goals, but Summit senior midfielder [player_tooltip player_id='175882' first='Jack' last='Freeman'] (Bowdoin) stole the show with all four of his points (3G, 1A) coming in the first half and helping his team build an early lead.   Senior middie [player_tooltip player_id='175878' first='Quinn' last='Hynes'] (Washington & Lee) capped off a great battle with his only goal of the day coming when the Hilltoppers needed it most, on a good feed from his future college teammate, [player_tooltip player_id='45416' first='James' last='Grainger'] (Washington & Lee) to send the Pirates home with another early season loss.    Kievit was on fire from the jump, starting with back-to-back saves on Seton Hall Prep's first possession, and saw the ball well all game long. He came up with 13 total saves, but did much more for his team by connecting on quick and crisp outlet passes to his teammates and coming out of the cage on loose balls to fight for possessions. The Fairfield commit displays a wide frame in cage and communicates well with his defenders, making the expected saves while also showing off his athleticism when slightly out of position or in tight, with quick hands. One thing that he possesses that cannot be taught is the clutch gene: making a big save with under five seconds left in the 4th quarter and another tough one in OT, which led to the game-winning goal by Hynes. I expect Kievit to continue to play a huge role in Summit's success this season and be one of the main reasons why they're still alive come early June.     Conniff was everywhere for the Hilltoppers defensively in this game. At 6'3", his presence on the field is noticeable, and he uses that to his advantage with his lower-body strength and instincts on and off the ball. He's a smart player with good stick skills on the clear and has a knack for the ball in passing lanes with an active stick. I counted at least three deflections he had to cause a ground ball scrum and limit the opponent's offensive rhythm, leading to a caused turnover. The Providence commit uses his large frame when boxing out for ground balls and getting physical at the point of attack with his stick out in front and breaking down to deter opponents. Conniff is a big part of the three-headed monster Summit has playing close defense for them, and with his experience and talent level, teams will have to find ways to steer clear of him.     Lyons had a great showing for the Pirates in this contest, and while it ended in gut-wrenching fashion, there are many great takeaways in a game like this against a quality opponent. He finished with 10 saves while facing highly skilled shooters and showed off a few acrobatic moves in the process. He made big-time saves time and time again, with some from range that he was able to get a good eye on, but many on the doorstep to keep his team in the game down the stretch. The Providence commit displays good size between the pipes as well as confidence, showing the ability to lead the defensive unit with high IQ plays on clears and the athleticism on the doorstep or when sweeping across the goal on well-placed off-stick shots. While the Pirates have stumbled a few times out of the gate early this season against some good competition, Lyons has been outstanding in cage, and they will need that production to stay high against another loaded schedule this year.     It's understandable why Zemachson is regarded as one of the top defensive prospects in his class when you see him in action. He has a combination of size, strength, and speed that is uncommon, and he plays fast and physical all around the field for this team. He was matched up against star attackman [player_tooltip player_id='45416' first='James' last='Grainger'] and limited him to a fairly quiet day with only a goal and an assist. The Duke commit is tough to get past with good footwork and positioning, and does a great job of pestering his matchups with poke and lift checks to disrupt accurate passes, and doesn't go for home run checks that get himself out of position and exposed. Zemachson displayed his versatility with the ball in his stick as well, staying active in the clearing game and making the right passes, while even registering a shot or two when he had a lane in transition, showing the ability to be a threat with the ball and keeping the goalie honest. It will be fun to see him continue to improve his game in his final two seasons of high school lacrosse.

This matchup consisted of a struggling Seton Hall Prep (1-2) squad looking to find its rhythm, while Summit (4-0) has started this year red-hot and really hadn't had a competitive game yet, winning its first four games by an average of close to 10 goals.