The Cape boys' lacrosse team was the last Delaware squad to defeat Salesianum School in 2019, and Cape will have to wait another year for a shot, as the Sals overpowered the Vikings 15-5 May 30, at Caesar Rodney High School.

The victory marks Salesianum’s sixth consecutive DIAA state title and 10th championship in the last 11 seasons.

Cape got off to a slow start, falling behind 3-0 early and trailing 5-1 entering the second quarter after a lone goal by Braddock Smith. The Vikings responded with three second-quarter goals, two from Brenner Short and one from AJ Grapski, to pull back into the game. However, Salesianum’s transition offense and physical play proved too much to overcome, as the Sals scored six straight goals and held Cape to just one second-half tally from senior Ryan Morgan.

“This team meant a lot to me this season,” Morgan said. “We weren’t sure how things were going to look at the start, but our growth and success over the months we spent together was special. This team will always be family to me, and I wouldn’t have wanted to do it with anyone else.”

"Overall, it was a great season," said sophomore Channing Smith. "It was disappointing that we came up short in the championship, but beating Bullis was definitely a highlight. What made it really the best was being able to play with such an awesome group of seniors. We’re going to miss them a ton, and we know we’ve got our work cut out for us next year. But we’re ready to put in the work."

"The great thing about playing for Cape is that you get to play with guys that you’ve been playing with since preschool," said Cape senior Eric Uffelman. "I wouldn’t trade that for anything."  

"I'm most proud of the way this team supported each other and never stopped competing," said Cape goalie Mason Trench, who had 13 saves in the game. "Playing with friends I've known since I was young and reaching the state championship in each of my four years at Cape Henlopen has been an incredible experience. The memories we've made and what we've accomplished together are something I'll always be proud of."

"Salesianum is a good team, and we always know it’s going to be tough when we face them," said Cape coach Geoff Shupard. "I feel bad for our guys, but I’m so proud of how they battled through a hard schedule this year. These are great kids, and I truly look forward to coming to practice every day."