Anger and hunger can work several ways in sports, either to one’s benefit or to one’s hindrance.
No doubt, the Cazenovia boys lacrosse team fell into the first category, as it demonstrated Thursday night at Alibrandi Stadium by unleashing a positive, focused stream of anger all over Christian Brothers Academy in a 19-11 victory.
Two days earlier, Cazenovia’s chance at a pivotal breakthrough got squandered as turnovers, penalties and the ferocious defense of undefeated, state Class C no. 2-ranked Skaneateles all contributed to a 12-6 defeat.
Remembering what happened there, the Lakers (no. 7 in the state Class C rankings) were bent on avoiding a repeat against a much-improved CBA squad that beat Marcellus earlier in the week and was just one win from clinching a playoff spot.
Before the Brothers could settle down, the Lakers unleashed a first-quarter barrage that didn’t stop until the visitors had a 7-0 advantage.
From dominance in the face-off circle to constant attacks that led to goals, Cazenovia did little wrong. And even when CBA finally got on the board in the second period, Cazenovia matched the production and stayed ahead, 10-4, at the break.
In the third quarter, the Lakers doubled the Brothers’ output, expanding the margin to 16-7, and cruised the rest of the way.
Brett Axelson fired home six goals, while both of the Cannizzaro brothers finished with seven points – Sean earning five goals and two assists, Connor getting three goals and four assists.
Sam Lewis contributed a pair of goals, while Matt Donovan and Justin Hoffmann each got one goal and one assist. Mason Powell also converted, with Joe Nardella picking up two assists.
To close out the regular season, Cazenovia (12-2) gets to be at home, facing Marcellus and Westhill, two opponents it might find again when the Class C playoffs commence in less than two weeks’ time.
As for the Cazenovia girls lacrosse team, it could not follo up its big win over Marcellus, going to Skaneateles and losing a 16-7 decision to that other group of Lakers.
In sharp contrast to their first encounter on April 14, Skaneateles took charge by the end of the first half, building an 8-3 margin that Cazenovia could not dent.
Kendra Volz and Becca Wheeler each put up two goals, with Kaitlyn Button, Hillary Bullock and Mikaela Henn adding one goal apiece. Gabby Jaquith and Katie Kleine each had two assists, but could not put shots in the net.
And even though Cazenovia contained Maddy Morrissey (one goal, one assist), the work of Diane Vitkus (five goals), Carly Davis (three goals) and Erin Callahan (two goals, two assists) rendered that point moot.
This moved Cazenovia’s record to 5-9 (4-7 league), meaning that the only guarantee for a playoff spot would come if the Lakers beat both Jordan-Elbridge and Clinton at Fenner in the last week of the regular season.
