Fairfield Prep Falls Short Against Bergen Catholic

Fairfield Prep falls short against Bergen Catholic By Michael Fornabaio Staff writer Updated: 05/09/2009 11:53:19 PM EDT

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 » FAIRFIELD -- The out-of-state portion of Fairfield Prep's lacrosse schedule is out of the way. Even after Saturday's 11-10 loss to Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.), coach Chris Smalkais likes what he sees after a few good tests. "I think we're improving every day," Smalkais said. "Being a part of something like this is great. It's unfortunate we had to lose. "Our senior players have really stepped up." Fairfield Prep (5-5) had won four in a row before running into the Crusaders and North Carolina-bound midfielder Zander Walters, who scored six goals. Fairfield Prep scored with 9.2 seconds left, but the visitors had already controlled the ball most of the last seven minutes to hold off the Jesuits. "We came out fired up. We had 10 shots in the first quarter," Jesuits co-captain Peter Gruppo said. "We didn't have possession a lot. I'd say we gave the game to them. I didn't think they took it from us." The Jesuits led 2-0, 3-1 and 4-2 before the Crusaders tied it. The Jesuits led 5-4 and 8-7 before Bergen Catholic scored three in a row. Walters had two of those. The 6-foot-2 offensive midfielder showed off an excellent shot, picking the top corner of the net, and powerful athleticism when he played one-on-one. Fairfield Prep rotated several defenders on him with mixed success. "He's a very good high school lacrosse player," Smalkais said. "He's arguably the best player we'll play against all year." Will Lomas made some big saves for the Jesuits, including one on Keith Switzer at the right post in the second quarter. Bergen Catholic counterpart Mike Bottinelli more than matched him, frustrating the Jesuits' offense. "We're right on the cusp of really clicking and starting to roll from here," Gruppo said. "We've got to cut out the mental errors and keep working. Everybody needs to get better and cut out the mistakes." MSG Plus taped the game and will air it today at noon. BERGEN CATHOLIC (N.J.)...... 4 1 4 2--11 FAIRFIELD PREP...... 4 1 3 2--10 Records: Bergen Catholic 10-5; Fairfield Prep 5-5. Goals: BC--Zander Walters 6, John Walker 2, Keith Switzer, Dillon McInerney, Justin Cornetto; FP-- Brendan Rotanz 3, Tucker Shanley 2, Griff McGoldrick 2, Tyler Cox, Peter Gruppo, Chase Bailey; Assists: BC--Walters; FP--Shanley, McGoldrick, Mike Carey, Rotanz, Bailey; Goalies: BC--Mike Bottinelli (8 saves); FP--Will Lomas (8), Ethan Enriques (0); BC--27; FP--26.