Mars ends Bishop Shanahan’s dreams of state title three-peat

Bishop Shanahan’s quest to capture its third PIAA Class 2A boys lacrosse title in a row was derailed Monday in the semifinal round. The Eagles dropped a 10-3 decision to unbeaten Mars, the District 7 champion, in a clash held at Cumberland Valley.

Mars becomes the first western Pennsylvania team to reach the Class 2A final.

What was thought to be a rebuilding season ended up with Shanahan (17-6 overall) in the final four yet again. The Eagles won the state crown the previous two times it was contested in 2018 and 2019.

Mars (23-0) advances to the state title game on Saturday and will play the Allentown Central Catholic-Crestwood winner at West Chester East’s Zimmerman Stadium, 2:30 p.m.

“We had a great effort, we just ran out of steam,” said Shanahan assistant coach Paul Meyers.

The Eagles led 1-0 early, but a lackluster second quarter but Shanahan down 3-1 at the half. The third quarter was the difference, however.

“We were down 4-3 in the third and we were playing our zone (defense), then we gave up two man-down goals and had to go man-to-man,” Meyers explained. “And we were tired. It hurt us.”

Senior Owen Mehok led the way with a goal and two assists, and teammates Brendan Oaks and Colin McGrory each added single goals for the Eagles. Sophomore goalie Joe Pezone accumulated seven saves for Shanahan.

Mars 10, Shanahan 3

Bishop Shanahan 1 0 2 0 – 3

Mars 0 3 3 4 — 10