CENTRAL NEW YORK – Each win, and each step it took, only added to the history the Marcellus boys lacrosse team was making in 2023.
And when it defeated Penn Yan 7-6 Friday afternoon in a clash of Mustangs sides at Tompkins Community College, Marcellus secured its first-ever trip to the state championship game.
Quite unlike its 10-3 victory when the two sides met on April 4, the rematch was close and tense from the outset. Penn Yan controlled the game’s tempo, not allowing Marcellus to attack in the way that it wanted.
Each of the first three quarters ended with Marcellus clinging to a one-goal margin – 2-1 after the first, 4-3 at halftime and 6-5 by the time the third period ended as Adam Rayfield, with four goals, led the way, the other goals going to Chris Doshna and Jimmy Cox.
All through the final quarter, Marcellus again tried to get away and, again, could not do so. Instead, Penn Yan’s defense shut things down and then, with just a minute to go in regulation, fought its way to the game-tying goal.
But it did not stay 6-6 for long. Marcellus won the ensuing face-off and Doryn LeClair, held to one assist to that point, raced in and put home what proved to be the game-winner.
Far less suspense was found in the ensuing state Class B semifinal between West Genesee and Victor as the state no. 1-ranked Blue Devils overwhelmed the Wildcats 20-9.
Right from the outset, Victor’s attack tore right through WG’s defenses, creating a 7-1 margin before the first quarter was done and stretching the lead out until it was 13-4 at halftime.
WG played better in the second half, ultimately seeing Liam Burns, Zach Ryan, Teshale Kelly and Jack Mellen each produce a pair of goals, but Victor cruised to an appearance in Sunday’s state final as the Wildcats finished at 13-7 overall.
