North Allegheny boys lacrosse advances in playoffs
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Thursday, May 17, 2018 | 11:00 PM
Looking back at the regular season, North Allegheny junior Matt Osten would prefer to see more wins on the Tigers' ledger.
But how North Allegheny has played over the last few weeks has it primed to add many more in the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs.
The Tigers opened the playoffs by blasting Franklin Regional, 16-1, last Monday at North Allegheny before moving into the semifinals with a 7-5 win over Upper St. Clair on Wednesday.
“We have to peak in the playoffs,” Osten said. “In the regular season, coach says that's the time to get better. We have to peak and get better every game. We've come a long way from the beginning of the year until now. I think we are playing our best lacrosse right now.”
The Tigers were to play Pine-Richland Wednesday in the semifinals, after deadline for this edition. The Rams took down North Allegheny, 11-7, in the team's previous meeting in March.
The Tigers, who have won four straight and improved their record to 12-7, demonstrated offensive versatility against Franklin Regional.
The Tigers received goals from 11 different players in a first-round route. North Allegheny led 14-0 at halftime. Maurice Lipscomb, Alex Hays, Jake Williams, Tyler Lamark, Ben Maenza, Ryan Leonard, Nick Eck and Osten all got on the scoresheet.
“I think everyone on the team wants everyone else to look good,” Osten said. “Be unselfish, get the easy goals. We're out there having fun, it's not like work anymore, it's playing with our friends that's part of it too.”
Some of the diversity on offense was developed by necessity during the regular season. North Allegheny was bitten by the injury bug and was seldom healthy.
Tigers coach John Rullan said the Tigers didn't have one player on the roster who was “the guy” on offense.
“I think we are going to keep that mantra of being unselfish and move the ball and use our athleticism so they can't lop off one guy so they have to worry about all six on offense,” Rullan said. “Whoever is open, that is who gets the ball. We don't have one kid who can run through everybody.”
North Allegheny's defense has also stepped up during its winning streak. The Tigers have limited their last three opponents to six goals or fewer.
“I think we can play with anybody,” Rullan said. “Then again, we are young so we're not sure if they are going to show. We are confident in our group, and when they are at their highest level, they can play with anybody.”
Josh Rizzo is a freelance writer.
Tags: North Allegheny
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