Cecelia FranciscoCabrini says farewell
The regular season ended with Cabrini and Neumann each taking one game of a two game series. Neumann won its home game in the final minutes and the Cavaliers won in the same fashion setting the scene for what would be the third meeting and yet another epic battle
Cabrini’s home court advantage proved to be more than the Knights could handle. The capacity crowd roared at each long range three-pointer, and at the officials calling the game. The Cavaliers responded to the stomping on the bleachers and the restless fans pleading “defense…defense…defense.”
Cabrini employed a match-up 3-2 zone defense that suffocated Neumann’s penetrating ability and kept its three-point shooters at bay.
The Cavaliers were able to pull away towards the end with patience, ball control and accurate free throws. Cabrini topped Neumann 76-63 to advance to the semi-finals of the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference.
Precluding the game was the ceremonial farewell to head coach, John Dzik. The administration took no part in the ceremony that was organized by alumni and the athletic department.
Alumni from several years under Dzik’s tenure spoke on his behalf. The message they conveyed was that of gratitude and appreciation.
“It is very heartwarming to know that there are so many people who truly do care. What has touched me more than anything, apart from the outpouring of support from my players, is that student-athletes, alumni, faculty and people not even associated with Cabrini have reached out to me and for that I am grateful,” Dzik said.
The crowd that filled Nerney Field House remained on hand along with the Neumann players and coached to honor the 25 years of dedication coach Dzik has given Cabrini.
Team sees season come to a close
The men’s basketball team traveled to Alvernia College for its semi-final match-up. Traveling with them was a great deal of the student body, faculty and alumni in support of the team’s effort and head coach John Dzik.
The Cavaliers hit the court running getting out to an early 12 to six lead. The Crusaders shooters however would not he held down as they went on a scoring run of their own and built a double digit lead.
Cabrini came clawing back after halftime with an inside game from Ty Teasley that opened up the perimeter for Jeff Dailey. Cabrini cut the margin to within four several times in the closing minutes. As both teams were in the bonus, it came down to free throws and Alvernia began to slip away as the Cavaliers struggled from the charity strike.
With less than a minute left, Cabrini was forced to foul and senior Messiah Reames picked up his fifth foul putting him out of the game. He stared in disbelief as Alvernia walked the court to take its free throws.
As he came off the court fans cheered for what they knew would inevitably be his last game.
The 64-56 loss for Cabrini appears to be Dziks last game at the helm. His recent firing as head men’s basketball coach after 25 years of service to the school is still unfolding.
“Well unfortunately the way my career is ending the feeling is disappointment. I love Cabrini College. It literally has been my lifes work and for me to leave this way is a disappointment,” Dzik said.
Also departing are Joe Kelly and Mike Keeley and the rest of Dziks assistants.
“This is a real difficult time for all of us, especially the seniors,” Dzik said. He tells his players every season to “make the most of it, enjoy it and have fun.
