Exeter 8  Navy Prep 11
Wed, 4/28, Exeter, NH - The Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS) is the major feeder program to the Naval Academy's lacrosse program. This was perhaps the most talented and deepest Navy Prep team Exeter has ever faced, and the close 11-8 loss reflects Exeter's overall excellent play. This Navy Prep team had already defeated Bridgton Academy twice this year, and in observing the big, fast, and skilled future Division I athletes on the field, it is easy to see why. Nevertheless, the Big Red gave Navy all it could handle right from the opening whistle. Bobby Goulding won the first few faceoffs cleanly, and the Exeter offense ran as smoothly as it has all season. First quarter goals were scored by Tom Petty, Michael Scalise(2), and Eric Horan to give Exeter a surprising 4-3 edge after one quarter of play. The close defense of Tom Rubel, Dylan Cox, and Alex Zani had their hands full with three very skilled attackmen, but they were up to the task. In addition, the midfield defense of Chris Mottau, Kirk Bansak, Bobby Goulding, and the long pole brigade of Jon Reed, Brett Hughes, Ian Drummond, and Gus Davidson held their high scoring first midfield line to just two goals for the entire game. Julian Rodier had another stellar performance between the pipes, so he deserves much of the credit as well. Navy's defense was big and fast, but Exeter moved the ball efficiently and moved well off the ball to keep good spacing. Both defenses started to dominate increasingly after the first quarter, and each team managed only two 2nd period goals. Tim Redmond found the net unassisted, and Michael Scalise completed a first half hat trick off a feed from Tom Petty. Navy definitely increased their intensity as they began the 3rd quarter down by a goal at 6-5. This increased pressure all over the field forced Exeter into some uncharacteristic errors that resulted in relatively easy unsettled goals for Navy. After exchanging goals to open the 3rd quarter, Navy unleashed a barrage of four unanswered goals over the next 12 minutes to run the score to 10-7 with six minutes to play in the game. Exeter responded with a Sloan Smith rocket shot, but Navy was able to keep the margin at three when a Navy middie took a feed and found the net with just five minutes remaining. Exeter put on its own pressure defense and was able to get the ball and attack the Navy goal several times in the last minutes of the game. However, the Big Red could not beat the Navy goalie to draw any closer. The final was 11-8, and it was a very well-played contest on the part of both teams.
Click here to see game pics

Team	1st quarter	2nd quarter	3rd quarter	4th quarter	Game Total
Exeter	4	2	1	1	8
Navy Prep	3	2	4	2	11

Game Scoring - Goals - Scalise(3), Petty(2), Smith, Horan, Redmond

                           Assists - Petty, Smith, Redmond

Saves/Shots on Goal - Rodier 18/29