La Salle Academy avenged its only loss of the season with a rousing 15-7 home victory over Moses Brown in boys lacrosse action to tie the Quakers for a share of the lead (5-1) along with Portsmouth in Division 1.
It was a well-rounded offensive attack by the Rams, led by Andrew Messner with five goals, Brendan Rabideau and Chris McMahon with three goals each, Michael Kemmy with two and Conor O'Donnell with a goal and three asists.
But it might have been hard to tell these teams have mutual friends, including the sons of coaches on each squad, considering there were nine penalties assessed to each team with several tumultuous hits throughout.
"Coach Sheehan and I have coached these kids together before, many on the same team," La Salle head coach Steven O'Donnell said.
One hit by Cody O'Donnell sent Quaker goalie Alexander Rickler sprawling on a crunching check after he came out of the net to recover a loose ball, knocking the netminder off his feet and jarring the ball loose. That enabled Kemmy to score his second goal late in the game.
La Salle jumped to an early 3-1 lead before Wesley Hardman and Sheehan with two straight goals maneuvered the Quakers back to a 4-4 tie. The Rams pulled away to secure an 8-5 lead at the half.
La Salle outscored the visitors from the East Side of Providence, 6-2, in the second half and it took the Quakers almost 17 minutes after halftime before Sam Mocarski (two goals) and Stuart Sheehan (two goals and three assists) could successfully penetrate the Ram defense.
But it was more than scoring talent or defensive prowess that paved the way for the Rams' triumph. They dominated after halftime on a tactic not used the first time around.
"We were well-prepared and everyone did what they were asked to do," Coach O'Donnell said. "But we used an up-tempo defense this time because they have such a potent offense, three great midfielders, a good defense and an awesome goalie."
"It was the most physical game that we have played in this year," Quaker head coach Peter Sheehan said. "They played an aggressive and physical style that set the tone early. Their defense spearheaded their offense and they shut down Ian Deveau, who leads the league in scoring with 34 points."
Baseball: Cranston West remains only undefeated Division 1 squad
Cranston West's Joe Portukalian pitched a four-hitter, struck out eight and recorded his fifth win in a 6-2 victory over La Salle. The Falcons, the only undefeated Division 1 squad in the state, also had a three-run homer from Mike McClarnon to anchor their offense. North Kingstown maintains a one-game lead over South Kingstown in the South.
La Salle, which had a three-run double by Jared Hopkins and two RBI on hits by brothers Alex and P.J. Rampone in an earlier 11-6 win over Warwick Vets, stays one game in front of Smithfield and St. Raphael Academy in the North.
* Dave D'Errico pitched and batted North Kingstown to a 9-5 victory over Portsmouth. D'Errico combined with Dave Boelter on a five-hitter and drove in three runs with two homers to pace the Skippers.
* Chris Costantino was also a two-way star for Bishop Hendricken, pitching a complete-game three-hitter and delivering three hits and four RBI in a 10-4 win over Lincoln.
