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CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Dom Starsia’s men’s lacrosse program was well represented this past weekend in the Under Armour High School All-America Lacrosse Classic at Johnny Unitas Stadium on the campus of Towson University. Six future Cavaliers played in a contest that saw the South pull out a 19-16 win over the North for its first win in the four-year history of the event.

“It was fun to watch six of our incoming players compete together at the Under Armour event,” said Starsia. “It was clearly an exciting evening for everyone involved and these future Hoos represented the University with distinction on and off the field. I am sure it was a treat for all the families to get to know each other before they arrive in Charlottesville. Early indications are that the future of Virginia lacrosse is in capable hands.”

Midfielder Chris LaPierre was named the game’s MVP after scoring two goals and assisting on four others to lead his team to victory. He also took the majority of the South’s faceoffs, winning eight of 15, and snared a team-high six ground balls.

The Philadelphia Inquirer’s South Jersey senior athlete of the year from Shawnee HS took his recognition in stride.

“It’s not the award necessarily, as much as the whole event,” he hold ESPNU analyst Mark Dixon after the game. “Playing with these guys you hear about all year, and (being from) South Jersey I don’t get to see them much, but meeting these guys and being able to play with them was a great experience.”

Joining him on the victorious South squad were defensemen Harry Prevas and Howie Long. Prevas started on defense for the South team after helping lead his Gilman team, rated the nation’s top high school team, win its fourth league championship this season. A local product, Long was a key member of a St. Anne’s-Belfield defense that allowed an average of 6.2 goals per game and won its second consecutive state title.

Three incoming Cavaliers combined to score eight of the North side’s 16 goals. Attackman Matt White, the player of the year in Connecticut at Ridgefield HS this season, paced the North with four goals and six points. His six points tie LaPierre for the most ever in this game.

Nick O’Reilly, an All-Long Island attackman this season from South Side HS, tallied three goals, including two in the second quarter that gave the North team short-lived leads. Fellow All-Long Island attackman Connor English from Manhasset HS scored once. He scored 81 goals this season, including nine in the state title game to lead his team to the championship.

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