Lacrosse Team Wins States

University School ended its season with a record of 14-6 and has not lost to a Division II opponent in over two years. 

The state final featured the top two teams in the Division II rankings and featured a matchup of the Preppers' possession offense and aggressive team defense with the Warriors' up tempo transition game.  University School jumped out to a quick start in the first half, amassing a 5-1 lead at the half on the strength of goals from senior tri-captain Brian Stovsky, seniors Ben Bold and Andy Neff, and juniors John Floyd and Will Gilkeson. 

The Warriors opened the third quarter pushing the pace of the game and drew back to 5-4 to end the third.  As the teams broke their huddles to begin the fourth quarter, it was clear that the team that controlled the tempo of the final quarter of the game would hoist the trophy at the end.  While Mariemont continued efforts to raise the speed of the game, University School switched its defensive tactics, employing a zone designed to slow down the isolation play of the Warriors.  On the offensive end, the Preppers returned to their ball-control style, working the ball around the perimeter in order to create seams in the defense.  Mariemont struggled to keep pace with the constant offensive shifting, and Floyd and Gilkeson broke down the defense for their second goals of the game. 

As the final minutes ticked off the clock, Mariemont mustered a goal to bring some tension back into the contest. However, they steady play of US goalie junior Adam Daroff combined with terrific midfield defense from seniors Mark Reuter and tri-captain T.W. Gross and crucial clears by seniors Charlie Clark and tri-captain Tommy Visconsi allowed the Preppers to run out the clock with the ball nestled safely in the stick of sophomore attack man Andrew Preiser. 

US was also fortunate to garner a number of postgame honors. Earning Offensive Most Valuable Player for the championship game was junior Will Gilkeson who added two assists to his two goals.  Earning Defensive Most Valuable Player of the championship game for the second consecutive year was senior Tommy Visconsi.  Visconsi was also awarded a stick commemorating his selection as the Division II Defenseman of the year. Junior goalie Adam Daroff was similarly rewarded for his selection as the Division II Goalie of the year.  Lastly, head coach Jack Fisher was honored as the Division II Coach of the year.