Cape boys’ lax advances to state final with 16-4 win over CR
Cape led Caesar Rodney 2-0 midway through the first quarter May 29 in the semifinals of the DIAA boys’ lacrosse state tournament, when the calm voice of Patrice Riggin punctured the still airways like a breeze off the bay – “Lightning has been spotted in the area. Players, please clear the field, and fans, clear the stadium.”
An hour later, everyone was back from wherever they had gone, and Cape rang up three more goals to lead 5-0 at the quarter. The Riders responded with a 3-1 second-quarter comeback to trail 6-3 at halftime.
Too close for comfort applies to lightning and three-goal leads in lacrosse. But the Vikings took the drama out of the game with a 10-1 crooked number in the second half to post a 16-4 win in a contest that was physical and competitive with each possession.
“I was proud of how they were able to overcome the weather delay and come out firing,” said Cape coach Geoff Shupard. “We had some penalty issues in the second quarter that we can’t afford, and CR took advantage to close the gap to three, but I thought our defense did a good job limiting what could have been a disaster.”
Salesianum beat Archmere 16-8 in the other semifinal and will play Cape for the state championship at 3 p.m., Saturday, June 1, at Delaware Military Academy’s Fusco Memorial Stadium field.
Cape lost to Salesianum 18-4 May 14 at Legends Stadium.
Cape’s diversified offensive attack was led by hat tricks from Anderson Smith, Evan Burris and Brenner Short. Burke Healy and Mike Guenther each had two goals, while Jack Schell, Hank Anderson and Ryan Morgan each scored one.
Guenther had a five-point game with two goals and three assists.
Mason Trench, who was very active in goal and often out of the goal, was credited with eight saves.
Notes - Saturday will mark the fifth straight year Cape and Salesianum have met in the state finals. Cape last won the championship in 2019 with a 12-10 victory.
