The lacrosse team at Paul VI from Fairfax, Virginia ended the regular season on a five game win streak, finishing with a 16-2 record. Their high caliber season awarded them the 31st rank in the DigitalSports National Lacrosse Rankings.
Advancing to the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference, Paul VI put on two strong displays in the quarter- and semifinals. The Panthers first encountered Bishop O’Connell in the quarter finals and took a commanding 17-6 victory. Moving onto the semis, Paul VI faced DeMatha, a team the Panthers defeated 10-9 in overtime early in the year.
This time around, Paul VI controlled the game, taking a 13-8 win over DeMatha. After a well-balanced first half, the teams enter the half tied at 5-5. In the second half, the power shifted to Paul VI and they were able to break away from O’Connell.
The Panthers were lead by senior Connor Murphy, who notched five goals, and senior Logan Aunon, who added on three more goals with four assists. Defensively, Paul VI welcomed back longstick midfielder Ethan Powley who missed the first eight weeks of the season with a broken jaw. Powley, already committed to Duke, may have been the difference in boosting Paul VI to a five goal victory instead of a close overtime match.
Now, Paul VI advances to the finals to face Gonzaga, first seed in the WCAC and ranked 2nd nationally. The Panthers face Gonzaga earlier in the season, but lost 12-6. Even so, Paul VI can still challenge the three straight WCAC winners. Playoffs can be unpredictable and the return of Powley can bump the Panthers onto the winner side of the game.
The opening faceoff of the championship game starts at 7pm tonight. The Paul VI versus Gonzaga matchup has proven to be eventful in the past and will certainly continue in this game.
Processing your request, Please wait....
