All is now lined up for the Christian Brothers Academy boys lacrosse team as it takes its shot at defending state Class C champion Cazenovia and its 30-game win streak Wednesday night at Alibrandi Stadium.
For that to happen, though, the Brothers first had to negotiate last Friday’s trip to Marcellus. And CBA nearly got derailed, but Cody Radziewicz, with yet another star turn, helped conquer the Mustangs 10-9 in overtime.
Marcellus, despite its 7-5 record, had put scares into all kinds of opponents this season, taking Cazenovia to overtime, leading Liverpool in the fourth quarter and also pushing CBA in their April 3 encounter at Alibrandi, which the Brothers won 11-8.
The rematch proved more harrowing. A tough, physical Marcellus defense and fine work from goalie Chris Martin (who finished with 18 saves) kept CBA contained throughout the first half, even as the Brothers clawed its way to a 4-3 lead at the break.
They stayed on those close terms throughout the second half, too. Marcellus caught up in the fourth quarter as Kevin Hutchings, with three goals and one assist, led the way. Dalton Wenzel and Mike McNaney each had two goals and one assist.
Yet Radziewicz would not be stopped. In regulation, he had four goals and two assists, and the help from Nick Papayanakos, who had his own three-goal hat trick, kept the Mustangs’ defenders from ganging up on him.
Two minutes into the OT period, with the game tied 9-9, Radziewicz flashed open and ripped a shot past Martin, his fifth goal, to win it.
Shane Murphy had one goal and one assist, while Andrew Romagnoli earned the other goal. Joe Dalfo, Mike Vavonese and Joe Kelley earned assists, too, as Dom Facciponte recorded nine saves.
With far less drama, CBA’s girls lacrosse team also beat Marcellus on Friday, this one a 16-11 decision where a big first half made the difference.
Fully utilizing its speed and skill, the Brothers had a 10-4 edge by the time they reached the half, and even as the Mustangs got productive in the late going, CBA matched it.
Marisa Romeo amassed six goals, adding an assist. Taylor Poplawski had four goals and two assists, while Caroline Webster managed three goals and one assist. Alyssa Pitonzo stepped up, scoring twice, while Sophie Racciatti and Meg Hannan each notched two assists.
