APA lacrosse victorious on Senior Night
Arendell Parrott Academy’s William Churchill searches for an opening in the Greenville Conley defense. Photo by William ‘Bud’ Hardy / Neuse News
By Junious Smith III
Once Arendell Parrott Academy got rolling, the team couldn’t stop.
The Patriots defeated Greenville Conley 15-3 on Senior Night, snapping a six-game losing streak in the process. APA (5-6) scored six goals in the second and third quarter to blow the game open and finish its last game at home in 2019 in style.
“It feels good to see them get this win considering everything they’ve been through over the past six games,” Patriots lacrosse coach Gordon Churchill said. “We were able to play everyone and when you’re winning, you remember the joy of the event and the excitement. That’s what this game is supposed to be about.”
Arendell Parrott Academy’s six seniors finished their final regular season home game in style with a 15-3 win over Greenville Conley Thursday. The seniors are, from left, John Harvey Turner, William Churchill, Will Connoly, William McPhaul, Sam Okonkwo and Devin Gaskill. Photo by William ‘Bud’ Hardy / Neuse News
In his final home game, John Harvey Turner scored five goals and three other seniors — William Churchill, William McPhaul and Will Connoly — also totaled goals, with Churchill getting two. McPhaul’s score came with 6:31 remaining in the third quarter, putting the Patriots ahead 13-1 and setting up a running clock.
“Devin (Gaskill) won the faceoff, which gave me an opportunity to make a play,” Churchill said “The entire offense came together after than and we were able to pass the ball around and get this much-needed win.”
Turner said this was a wonderful season and his senior teammates — Gaskill and Sam Okonkwo among them — made it memorable.
“This was my last game on this field and it felt great to get the win,” Turner said. “This is a wonderful group of guys and this is also the closest team I’ve worked with my entire career. It’s been a great journey.”
William Farrior scored four goals for the Patriots, with Caleb Allen and Morgan McPhaul also scoring. The Patriots’ final regular-season game will be played Monday at Greenville Conley.
