With memories intact, Malvern middies lead a charge past Haverford School

HAVERFORD — The game feels like a long time ago, but Michael Buono remembers it clearly.

The last time the Malvern Prep defenseman played at Haverford School’s Sabol Field was just shy of two years ago. And as the Southeastern PA powerhouses renewed their rivalry Tuesday, Buono and his fellow Friars played like they remembered that one-goal loss.

“We nearly tied it up with 30 seconds left. I remember it,” Buono said. “It wasn’t the best weather. It wasn’t the best day. But to play on a nice day today, we pretty much smoked them, so it was a great experience.”

There was no such drama Tuesday, Buono and Malvern putting on a defensive clinic in a 12-4 victory.

Along with Jake Brownley, Luke Carden, Lucca DiBartolomeo and a cast of defensive middies, the Friars allowed the Fords precious few chances. Haverford School scored just once in the first half, and despite the Fords winning 15 of 19 faceoffs and outshooting Malvern, 29-28, the Friars rolled. Even before the offense exploded for six third-quarter goals, things were well in hand.

Goalie Chris O’Grady was outstanding in the first half with eight saves, and Joe Doherty added six in the second half. Save for a pair of Fords goals within 16 seconds in the third by Geordy Holmes and Ryan DiRocco, Malvern was in control throughout, and even then, the margin was only trimmed to 8-3.

“We didn’t get to play anyone last year, so being able to put that together and put it on the field, it’s a great experience,” Buono said of the defense. “We were in the offseason wondering, how’s it going to come out? And I think seeing it all happen is an awesome experience.”

Holmes’ goal at 5:27 of the third was exactly what the Fords wanted to do more of. The senior beat the short-stick middie defending him, then got position on the sliding pole to beat Doherty.

Around that breakthrough, the Fords had two violations of the 80-second shot clock early and struggled to find a balance between moving quickly before Malvern’s disciplined defense could set up and more deliberately possessing the ball.

“I think it’s shot selection for us,” Holmes said. “We like saying go get dunks and not 3-pointers. We valued the ball the first couple of possessions, but we’ve got to get better looks as a team.”

DiRocco scored twice. Brendan Leary added a consolation tally in the fourth. Chuck Cacciuitti made six stops in net, but he was often left with no chance, with Malvern Prep dodging from midfield, getting a step and firing shots into the corners. Adam Greenfield led the faceoff men with a 7-for-10 day.

Will Peden orchestrated the attack with a goal and four assists. Colin McGill and Joe Sheridan added two goals and a helper apiece, while Jack Irish scored twice. It’s a testament to their talent that Peden, a Penn State commit, believes it’s far from his team’s best.

“We still could’ve played better on offense, but I think we played really well in the middle of the field, just transitioning,” he said. “We all just played good at transitioning the ball down to our offense and usually we get some transition goals, but I like our settled O. And today we could’ve done better, but still got away with the win.”