Ganley sparks Leopards

April 28, 2010|By JACK HILL III/Staff Correspondent

SMITHSBURG -- Junior midfielder Cullan Ganley scored four of his five goals in the first half, and Smithsburg's boys lacrosse team rolled to a 16-2 win over South Hagerstown at Coach Carroll Reid Field on Tuesday.

Ganley notched two goals in the first quarter as the Leopards (5-6) took a 3-1 lead. Ganley added two more goals in the second quarter to help Smithsburg build an 8-2 halftime advantage over the Rebels (0-9).

"At the beginning of the game, I was just trying to see where the weak spots were on defense," Ganley said. "Then I was just trying to get up on them quick. My teammates are helping open up spaces for me and they are able to get me the ball. After that, I am able to get my goals."

Ganley added a goal and three assists in the second half.

Smithsburg stretched its lead to 13-2 by the end of the third quarter.

"Coach (Joe Dietrich) told us at halftime to not play down on the level of the other team," Ganley said. "He told us to continue to play up. We didn't allow South to score at all in the second half."

Freshman attacker Taylor Valencia had four goals, while senior attacker Bobby Gery added three goals for Smithsburg. Mark Chirdon had one goal and two assists, while Alex Sweeney, Clayton Layman and Dean White each added a goal apiece. Luke Slick, Anthony Minnich and Tanner Leach had one assist each.

"Our offense has a lot of guys who are capable of scoring," Ganley said. "Our defense has been pretty reliable. Overall, I feel that we can continue to grow as a team. We have a lot of potential. If we step up and play up to our potential, we can give any team we play a run for the money. I feel we have shown a lot of improvement throughout the year."

Junior midfielder Hunter Phillips had a goal and an assist, while sophomore attacker Chris Quante added a goal for the Rebels.

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