With a 6-1 record and a move up to no. 11 in the state Class C rankings, the last thing the Cazenovia boys lacrosse team wanted to do was rest.
Yet that was what the Lakers did early last week, avoiding the worst of the weather and staying fresh until things resumed when Tully visited the Fenner Street complex on Thursday afternoon.
Ready at the first whistle, Cazenovia dominated on both sides of the field early, then withstood the Black Knights’ late charge to produce a 9-5 victory.
During the first quarter, the Lakers ruled on face-offs, constantly winning possession and turning its attacks into goals as it bolted to a 5-0 lead.
That margin grew to 7-0 by halftime. Much of that could be credited to a ferocious Laker defense, as Brett Gifford, Tom Colligan and Chad Dorrance thwarted every Tully thrust and Alec Cross made key stops, too, on his way to nine saves.
The Black Knights did get on the board in the third quarter, but as much as it might have improved, Cazenovia would not allow for them to make it all the way back.
Four different players — Sean Cannizzaro, Connor Cannizzaro, Brett Axelson and Joe Nardella — had two-goal outings, with Connor getting two assists. John Greacen also scored, joining Nardella and Sean Cannizzaro with single assists as John Donovan registered a pair of assists.
Three games loom for the Lakers this week. In between a trip to Onondaga and a visit from Jordan-Elbridge, Cazenovia hosts defending Section III Class C champion LaFayette, who has the no. 7 state ranking and took its only loss of the season to Skaneateles on April 24.
