BE players compete in national tournament

Three Bishop England players were members of the South Carolina team that competed in the 2016 U.S. Lacrosse Women’s National Tournament, which was held recently at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa.

The Bishops’ Emma Pizzo, Ava Ward and Ellie Long were on the team from the Palmetto State that featured 22 of the top freshmen, sophomores and juniors from around the state. Bishop England’s Jeff Weiner was the coach of the team.

The South Carolina team fared well in the 64-team event. The Sandlappers went 3-1 in the Iroquois Division.

South Carolina opened with an 11-7 win over Connecticut and then topped Arizona 11-6. South Carolina’s only loss of the tournament was an 11-6 loss to eventual champ Kentucky.

South Carolina finished its best showing ever with a 14-4 win over Central Texas.

Pizzo led South Carolina with 10 goals and three assists.

The tournament is arguably the nation’s premier college recruiting events since its inception in 1980. Coaches from more than 150 college lacrosse teams were in attendance for this year’s showcase.

Meanwhile, Bishop England junior Connor Malark was named the Lower State Player of the Year and Midfielder of the Year by the state coaches’ association.

He collected 44 goals, 28 assists and 46 ground balls. Teammates Andrew Pizzo and Ethan Baker also earned first-team all-state honors. Justin Lively and Rohan Thompson picked up second-team all-state mentions for a Bishops.

Emma Pizzo was selected Lower State Player of the Year after leading the state with 98 goals and 58 assists while leading the Bishops to their first state championship. Teammate Ellie Petyak scooped 37 ground balls with 34 takeaways to earn Lower State Defensive Player of the Year.

Ellie Long also was named all-state first team while Rachel Banton and Beatrice also received all-state honors.