Pingry Outlasts CBA 6-5 in State Tournament Rematch Thriller

photo & coverage by: Ryan Rutkowski 

Revenge was sweet for Pingry on Saturday morning.

In a rematch of last year’s playoff battle, No. 6 Pingry edged Christian Brothers Academy 6-5 in the Non-Public A Tournament Round of 16. The game featured four lead changes, late-game heroics, and another clutch performance from a Pingry squad that thrives under pressure.

Dylan Blekicki delivered the go-ahead goal in the fourth quarter, breaking a 5-5 tie and ultimately sealing the win for the Big Blue.

“I was missing shots earlier and their goalie was making great saves,” Blekicki said after the game. “But my teammates had faith in me. We had a short stick matchup and no slide coming, so I knew I had time to finish. It felt great to put us ahead—especially after losing to them last year in states.”

Blekicki finished with a goal and an assist, while standout senior Jonah Ziv led all scorers with two goals and an assist. Jack Goodwin, Freddie Field, and Rafferty Harris each found the back of the net as well, with Harris also dominating the faceoff X by winning 7 of 8 draws. Pingry's defense stayed disciplined down the stretch, and goalie Luke Burns turned away eight shots in a tight battle that remained in question until the final horn.

Now 17-3 on the season, Pingry turns its focus to the quarterfinals where it will face Delbarton, one of the top programs in New Jersey. Despite the challenge ahead, confidence is high in the Big Blue locker room.“We’re going to prepare like we have been all season,” Blekicki said. “It’s going to be a grind, but we’re good in close games and trust our defense. We’re ready to prove we belong with the best.”

With momentum building and redemption already earned, Pingry continues its march with eyes on a deeper postseason run.