Youth Sports Report:

Jesuit downs Plant, advances to WFLL championship

Posted Apr 8, 2010 by Nick Murray

Updated Apr 8, 2010 at 08:38 PM

TAMPA – Jesuit earned a place in the West Florida Lacrosse League championship game as hat tricks by Zak Spranger and T.J. Martinez gave the Tigers a 10-4 victory against Plant on Thursday night, ending the Panthers reign as league champions.

The Panthers opened the game well, controlling the opening face-off and most of the possession for the opening minutes of the game, but there were unable to find a way to break down the Tigers’ defense.

Jesuit, on the other hand, made the most of its opportunities. Clayton Lippincott gave the Tigers the lead, and the Tigers crisp passing and finishing allowed them to run out to a 5-0 lead at the end of the first period.

“Our goal tonight was to not give up transition goals, but to create opportunities in the odd-man situation on the offensive end, and our kids did a fantastic job of that,” Jesuit coach John Matzke said. “We had worked very hard during the week on a few wrinkles, and we did the things we needed to do.”

Jesuit extended its lead to 8-1 at halftime and while Plant tried to find a way back in the second half, the Tigers were able to remain stout defensively. Adam Cunningham had two of the Panthers four goals, but the side saw its run of four straight WFLL titles come to an end.

“They deserve it,” Panthers coach John Shaw said. “They’re a great lacrosse team, I think they should win it all on Saturday, and I wish them the best of luck next week.”

The Tigers will host the championship game against the winner of the West Division final between East Lake and Sarasota Military Academy, also held on Thursday night, looking for their first league title since 2005.

“The program’s had a lot of prestige, we’ve had a few off years, but we’re back,” Matzke said. “We’re going to win that WFLL championship and go on to the I-A state title. It’s very exciting, the kids should be excited, the program should be excited.”