Once again, the Christian Brothers Academy boys lacrosse team fended off the challenge of a possible Class C championship rival.
In the first meeting with Skaneateles since last year’s Section III Class C final, the Brothers combined timely attacks with plenty of possession to beat the Lakers, 10-5, Monday night at Alibrandi Stadium.
Other than allowing the game’s opening goal to Eric Richards, CBA never trailed. Devin Daly, Craig Lange and Jovan Miller scored in a span of three minutes late in the first quarter to put the Brothers in front for good.
All of them had open looks because Skaneateles spent so much time worrying about Jack Harmatuk. Laker defender Win Wickwire stayed step-for-step with Harmatuk all night and did quite a good job, holding CBA’s top scorer to a single assist.
However, that came at a price. Lange notched a three-goal hat trick, while Miller, Daly and Colin Price each scored twice, and Pat Kenville scored, too.
Much of that damage was issued in the first half, and by the early part of the third quarter, CBA led 9-3, and was content to slow things down.
By possessing the ball for much of the second half, the Brothers never let the Lakers get closer than four goals the rest of the way.
When it had to defend, Mike Bulman, Andrew D’Agostino, Matt Germain and Kris Estabrook did a great job of protection and forced numerous Skaneateles turnovers. It allowed Zach Palmieri to breathe a bit, as the West Point-bound goalie recorded just nine saves.
CBA will be a home again Saturday to meet another Laker contender, this one from Cazenovia.
