Eagles lacrosse grounds Seahawks 8-7
The Smyrna boys’ lacrosse team squeaked by Sussex Academy 8-7 May 19 in Georgetown to move into the quarterfinals of state tournament.
Sussex Academy finishes its 2021 campaign at 14-3.
Smyrna took a slim 3-1 lead into the halftime break. Sussex Academy outscored the Eagles 6-5 in the second half, but time ran out on the Seahawks’ first tournament appearance.
“We just got down too early,” said Sussex Academy head coach Justin Hetherington. “A couple more minutes in the game and I think maybe we would have recovered it. We are definitely a young team. It’s our first appearance in the tournament.”
The Seahawks took 30 shots, while Smyrna took 26 shots on goal.
Smyrna was led by Chase McLaughlin and Jason Zeitler with three goals each, while Zarek Kolakowski hit the back of the twine twice. Nick Miller assisted on two goals, while Zeitler and Gavin Porter tallied one helper.
The Seahawks were paced by Jackson Dinger’s four scores. Riley Custodio, Gannon Burris and Mack Leonhart each had a goal. Anderson Smith and Evan Burris each garnered an assist.
“We had a great year,” Dinger said. “I’m proud of what we did this year.”
“I want to come back here next year and see this team back in the tournament,” Custodio said. “I’m proud of this team.”
Smyrna keeper John Williams stopped 14 Seahawks shots, while Sussex Academy keeper Lax Johnson made nine saves.
“This is a huge confidence boost, ” Williams said. “It will give us the adrenaline we need to carry us into the next game.”
“These guys had an effort that was unreal,” said Smyrna head coach Mike Zulkowski. “Every single day they give 100 percent. That was a very good team, and we were pretty lucky tonight.”
Smyrna will take on Sanford in Saturday’s quarterfinals.
