Tigers Clinch Playoff Spot With 8-3 Win Over Panthers

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The North Allegheny boys’ lacrosse team clinched a playoff berth on Wednesday night with an 8-3 win over Franklin Regional at Newman Stadium. The Tigers, who improved to 4-1 in section play, have qualified for the playoffs for the seventh time in the last eight years.

North Allegheny opened up a 3-0 lead in the first quarter behind two goals from Gavin Hagen, who finished with a hat trick overall, and one from Austin Lunt. Franklin Regional got on the scoreboard with 2:13 to play in the first quarter on a marker by Sam Harper to trim the NA lead to 3-1.

The Panthers clawed even closer when Erik Fritz scored a man-up goal with 9:23 remaining in the second quarter to bring the score to 3-2, Tigers. North Allegheny’s Dillon Dugan responded two minutes later with a man-up goal to increase the lead to 4-2. However, Adam Renda answered for Franklin Regional with 5:51 remaining in the half to make it 4-3, Tigers.

North Allegheny took the field with determination in the second half and scored four unanswered goals to put away the Panthers, 8-3. Dugan, Hagen, Wes Powell and Matt Osten notched goals for NA in the second half. In addition to his goal, Powell added two assists and two ground balls to earn Wright Automotive Player of the Game honors.

Along with Powell, faceoff man Peter Barrante had another strong night and won 10 of 16 draws. Trevor Perry tallied six forced errors on defense while Jack Kairys posted a team-best seven ground balls.

North Allegheny snapped a three-game losing streak with the win and improves to 7-6 overall and 4-1 in Division 1, Section 2, clinching a playoff spot in the upcoming WPIAL playoffs. Franklin Regional drops to 1-10 overall and 0-4 in the section. The Tigers will host Sewickley Academy on Monday night at 7:30 pm.

Boys Lacrosse Summary vs. Franklin Regional, 4-27-16

GAME SUMMARY
SCORE BY QUARTERS1234FINAL
Franklin Regional12003
North Allegheny31318