After a long and difficult path, Greenwich High School can finally claim a highly deserved first state championship. This was the Cardinals third trip to the CIAC Class L finals, having lost to Darien and Fairfield Prep in the past.
The year, a determined Greenwich side knew that this was their time to hoist the trophy. It was not going to be easy, as the Cardinals face Staples-Westport (15-5), the team that knocked Greenwich out in last season’s quarterfinals. Greenwich (19-3) performed well all season, earning the 10th ranked in the DigitalSports National Lacrosse Rankings and 2nd in Connecticut.
Jumping out of the gate on fire, Greenwich netted 4 goals in the first quarter, keeping Staples off the board. The Wreckers battled back in the second, leading to a 6-4 halftime score line in Greenwich’s favor.
After Greenwich built up an 11-6 lead early in the fourth, Staples once again battled back, getting within two goals midway through the final quarter at 12-10. With 2:32, the Cardinals struck again, taking a three goal advantage and putting the game out of reach. The game ended with Greenwich leading 13-10.
Luke Finneran paved the way for Greenwich on a seven-point performance, from four goals and three assists. Jamie Paradise followed accordingly with two goals and three assists of his own. Will Perry added on a hat trick and an assist.
For the first time in school history, the Greenwich boy’s lacrosse team heads into the offseason on top of the Class L division. The Cardinals can now look forward to the opportunity to defend its title next year.
Key Players:
Luke Finneran- 4 goals, 3 assists
Jamie Paradise- 2 goals, 3 assists
Processing your request, Please wait....
