Sussex Academy comes from behind to upend Odessa 7-6
Although they had the lead for most of the game, the Sussex Academy boys’ lacrosse team needed all the help it could get from its seniors to come back late and win against Odessa 7-6 on Senior Day May 15.
Leading 3-0 after one period and 4-1 at the end of the first half, it seemed the four seniors and one exchange student being honored on the day were well on their way to an easy win over the Ducks. However, the Seahawks struggled to score in the third and led 5-4 going into the fourth quarter.
Odessa netted two to take a 6-5 lead with about five minutes to go. Long-stick middie Andrew Hoffert tied the game with a blast from the top of the box to spark the late rally. As Odessa committed penalty after penalty, the Seahawks were in extra-man offense for the remainder of the game. Freshman Carter Nemcic took advantage of the spacing to blast the game-winner between the pipes with under a minute to play.
“We've been in this situation a lot, and it's one of those things that we kind of just remember what it's like and remember to keep our spots, go to our players and make plays where we need to. Some guys stepped up made some big plays,” Seahawks coach Andrew Fox said.
Fox praised goalie Jacskon Hagy (13 saves) and close defender Cooper Lawson, and said Jack Meszaros was once again crushing it on face-offs. Fox also gave a glowing review of his 2024 seniors.
“These seniors bleed the purple, blue and white,” Fox said. “Those guys are everything to this team.”
Senior Michael Hoffert led the team with three goals, while classmate Phillip Trice scooped up several important ground balls. Martin Cosgrove may not have registered any points, but Fox pointed out how valuable his leadership is.
“He keeps this team in check and keeps pushing them,” Fox said. “As a backup, to be a captain is a huge responsibility.”
The win was a big one for the seniors, who said they felt prepared for the moment.
“You realize that's the end of the season and how far your career came,” Cosgrove said.
Phillip Trice said past senior nights paved the way for him to play his heart out and try his best. Michael Hoffert enjoyed being able to spend time with his family, but also getting the win, while his brother also reflected on previous senior nights.
French exchange student Cyprien Levy is a junior, but he will head back to France at the end of the school year. He said lacrosse is by far the craziest sport he has ever played.
