The Liverpool boys lacrosse squad has had an up-and-down 2024 campaign.
Despite some adversity at times, Liverpool has looked to its senior leadership to get through tough outings.
On Saturday in the Class A semifinals, the seniors helped second-seeded Liverpool fend off a late comeback attempt by third-seeded Cicero-North Syracuse for a 10-8 victory at West Genesee High School.
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Liverpool has had a core group of over 10 seniors on its roster for four straight seasons, coach Mike Felice said.
"They've played in (situational) games like this before," Felice said. "They're prepared and know what it takes. They've been able to figure things out, which is great."
Liverpool had a 7-1 lead at the half. The team scored all of its first-half goals in the opening period.
"We came out really hot," Felice said. "We played well in (the first period)."
The Northstars, however, made things interesting with a 5-2 run in the third, which sliced the deficit to 9-6. C-NS outscored Liverpool again in the final period, but Liverpool held on for the win.
"(C-NS) has an explosive offense," Felice said. "We knew this game was far from over. It's always like that during this time of the year."
Senior Dominick Osbeck paced Liverpool with three goals and two assists. Freshman Christopher Matott recorded three goals and an assist, while sophomore Brady Michaud had two goals. Owen Michaud finished with a goal and two assists, and Mason Gridley also scored. Goalie Owen Salanger made 12 saves.
"Our seniors have been in a lot of close games on both sides of wins and losses," Felice said. "They've prepared for us to get to this point in the season. They start to come together and put us in a good position."
Adrian Sweeney recorded a hat trick for the Northstars. Karsen Pritchard added two goals and an assist, while Tanner Long chipped in two scores. Cy Liberman contributed a goal and an assist, and Rocco Villano also scored. Leyton Sullivan tallied eight saves in net.
Liverpool (8-9) takes on fourth-seeded Baldwinsville in the Class A championship game on Wednesday. The Bees are the defending Class A sectional and state champion.
It's the third-straight trip to the sectional final for Liverpool. The team has faced the Bees in each of those games.
"It's going to be another battle, that's for sure," Felice said.
C-NS capped its season with an 11-6 record.
