Dock Mennonite falls to Moravian Academy in PIAA-1A semifinals

NEW TRIPOLI >> Dock Mennonite’s run came to an end on a freezing Tuesday evening at Northwestern Lehigh High School.

But the Pioneers had broken through this season, reaching the PIAA-A State Tournament for the first time since 2009.

“Big picture, I’m proud of our kids,” Dock coach Matt Moyer said. “It had been 10 years since we made states, and we made it back to the final four. We’re disappointed, but when you look at things, you realize these kids put together a really quality season. So I don’t wanna forget that. It’s been a priveledge to coach this team.”

With the 4-0 victory over Dock, Moravian Academy heads to the state final on Friday, at 1:30 p.m. against Winchester Thurston or Greensburg Central Catholic.

The Lions took control just minutes into the contest.

Julius Ewungkem scored off an assist from Abraham McWilliams, making it 1-0 Moravian. The lead doubled to 2-0 on a goal by Nikhel Mhatre, with 15 minutes left in the first half. The Lions would go to the break with their two-goal lead.

“Very good team. Credit to Moravian, they have a quality team,” Moyer said. “Every position, they’re solid. We knew that coming in, so they deserve to win tonight.”

The Lions padded their lead in the second half, with Austin Recinos setting up Archie Debbage and Gennaro Mazzella DiBosco setting up Recinos.

A tremendous run by Dock came to a close, but with plenty to look forward to.

“We have a quality group of kids,” Moyer said.

PIAA-A Semifinal
Moravian Academy 4, Dock Mennonite 0
Dock 0 0 – 0
Moravian 2 2 – 4
First Half
M – Julius Ewungkem (Abraham McWilliams), 36:37; M – Nikhel Mhatre, 15:39.
Second Half
M- Archie Debbage (Austin Recinos), 30:08; M – Recinos (Gennaro Mazzella DiBosco), 20:45.