Michael Fox scores six as Westminster lacrosse romps over Miami LaSalle

LAUDERDALE LAKES, FLORIDA – Senior attackman Michael Fox netted six goals and goaltender Sean Harms recorded 16 saves to propel Westminster Academy over Miami LaSalle, 12-5, Monday. The five goals allowed by the Lions are a season low, besting their previous mark of six set against Taravella in their last victory.

After leading 6-3 at halftime, Westminster Academy would score four-straight goals at the start of the third period to take a commanding 10-3 lead. Of those goals, one came off the stick of Fox with 5:07 remaining. Miami LaSalle’s first score of the half would not come until the 2:12 mark of the quarter. Despite opportunities, the Royals struggled to get the ball past Harms.

“Obviously I think we played solid defense, anchored by Sean,” said Westminster Academy head coach Matt Salvatoriello. “He was a rock in net, he’s always is. He stopped a lot of point-blank shots. Once we figured out kind of who their offense ran through as a couple players, we just coached the kids up on it and made sure they were in the right place to shut them down. I think we neutralized them for the most part. Their big guns didn’t really score a lot of goals.

"We tried to play on offense. We tried to get the ball to our playmakers. I think we did a good job of it this time. We tried to get them in space. I think we had some match-up advantages that we talked to our guys about. I thought they utilized them very well. We had some good shooting from the outside. I think in terms of the transition game, that’s where we had some issues where we had to clean things up at the end. I think our guys battled hard. There were times where it wasn’t pretty, but at the end of the day I think they got it done and worked hard. They earned a good victory for the team and the school.”

Westminster Academy would get on the board first on a goal by Fox with 9:43 remaining in the first period. The Lions scored five of the first six goals of the period to take a 5-1 lead after 12 minutes. Miami LaSalle’s lone goal of the period would come at the 7:24 mark. Westminster Academy’s control of face-offs led by Chad Macy and Fox’s precise shooting would control much of the half.

Fox’s six goals are a season-high. He previously scored five in a 10-9 loss to St. Brendan. Fox also leads Westminster Academy in goals per game (2.8) and total points (22). The Lions also received two goals each from Dimitri Varvoutis and Noah Critch in the game. Both players are now second and third, respectively, on the team in scoring.

“We played well and hard,” said Fox. “We had a fire that we lit that helped us play hard. Our goalie played out of his mind. I think we could have scored more, but we played well.”

Outside of two-straight goals, the Royals struggled to find a rhythm against Westminster Academy’s long-stick defense and Harms in net. The sophomore goalie made some key early stops using his body and goal stick, some at close range, that could have given Miami La Salle some momentum in the early moments.

Harm’s 16 saves were two off his season-high of 18 set against Taravella. His .761 save percentage against Miami La Salle is a season-best. Harm’s has now posted a .750 save percentage or better in back to back starts.

“Just watching the ball and watching the shooters,” said Harms on his performance. “Slowing it down and watching the ball into your stick. Being there at the right time. It’s all fundamental until you make the save.”