Coates leads Mallards Over Ireton

BERLIN - Worcester Prep's men's varsity lacrosse team scored a big win over a high quality opponent last weekend, edging Bishop Ireton of Alexandria, Va., at home on Saturday to improve to 4-2 on the season.

The Mallards hosted the Cardinals in a rare Saturday contest and came out on top against one of the better opponents on the schedule from the other side of the Chesapeake Bay. In two earlier road contests against teams from the other side of the bridge, Worcester lost to McDonough and Radnor (Pa.) during an Easter Tournament.

Coach Kevin Gates credited a stingy defense led by goalie Christian Coates, who recorded 12 saves, for the impressive win over Bishop Ireton last Saturday. 'We were lucky to have Christian at the top of his game,' he said. 'He was outstanding and was the main reason we were able to win that game.'

With Coates and the stingy Worcester defense keeping the Cardinals out of the net, the Mallards created just enough offense to come away with the win. Max DiFillipo scored two goals and dished out an assist, while Greg Butler scored two goals. David Leyden contributed two assists.

The win over Bishop Ireton was the third straight for Worcester and the fourth overall on the season against two losses. The Mallards topped Gunston Day, 15-3, last Thursday after beating Cambridge, 16-1, last Tuesday. Hank Fisher scored four goals while Travis Gregory scored two and Christian Payne added two in the win over Gunston.