North Penn holds off La Salle, captures state title
TOWAMENCIN >> A raucous fourth quarter had everything and everyone shaking in a packed Rick Carroll Natatorium Saturday night, but North Penn’s resolve held firm.
“It was scary. Everybody was biting their nails,” said senior Bobby Freece. “But we went in our huddle and said ‘we’re up. The pressure’s on them, not us.’ (Coach Jason) Grubb did a great job keeping us under control and we just took it home and we finished.”
After seeing their 5-2 lead erased by La Salle, the Knights got a goal from Freece in the final minute of the third quarter, then played outstanding defense in the fourth, getting clutch stops by Danny Dunigan in net, and held on for a thrilling 7-6 victory over the Explorers in the Boys State Water Polo Final at NP.
“Last year we came just short, by one goal,” said Dunigan, a First-Team All-State selection along with Freece. “That kind of set off something in the boys’ minds, to go and win it this year. So it’s good to win.”
The tension of the final held true to the theme of the weekend. And the Knights, who won in overtime in the semis to advance, came through in the clutch.
“This was a weekend of very tight games,” said Grubb, who guided both NP squads to state titles again this year. “We played just good enough. And that’s sometimes the way it goes. We did what we needed to do and it caps off an awesome season for our team.”
Dunigan made nine saves for the Knights in the final and Freece starred on defense and added a goal and a steal.
“It feels amazing. Everybody worked really hard. It was a well-deserved win for us,” Freece said. “Our opponent was great. They played amazing. But we wanted it more, and we played deep and strong.”
The Explorers came back to draw even at six apiece but NP didn’t allow a goal in the decisive fourth.
“Any time you only give up six goals on defense, that’s pretty good. Our defense really saved us in that last game,” Grubb said. “(Dunigan and Freece are) two great defensive players. Dan is phenomenal and Bobby’s really been doing it for us, playing double duty – defensive hole and offensive hole as well.”
Tim Schwar added a pair of steals for the Knights, who allowed little open space. Early on, the offense was rolling, with Aidan Faikish pouring in three goals to help build the lead to 5-2. Nathan Rawa had a pair of goals for the Knights and Schwar scored one as well.
“The momentum was definitely in our favor in the beginning,” Freece said.
Afterwards, the entire team posed with the trophy, and there were hugs and snapshots all around. A few final moments down on the deck to savor the victory, and the season.
“It’s an amazing group. This group is special,” Freece said. “I’m so happy I was able to be a captain and help lead this team. I hope I can come back here in future years and watch them have the same success that we had. I’m so excited for the future for this team.”
