When Liverpool beat Cicero-North Syracuse in last year's boys lacrosse final, the loss stuck with the Northstars for a long time.
However, C-NS coach Chuck Wilbur expressed that the game is in the past, and his team is in the moment of this season.
On Saturday, in the Class A quarterfinals, the fourth-seeded Northstars got a good handle on fifth-seeded Liverpool in a 7-4 win.
Complete Box Score »
C-NS managed to beat Liverpool twice during the regular season. But, Wilbur said, beating their rival a third time and in the postseason was a "sweet victory" for the Northstars.
"It was a big sectional win for us and it gave us an opportunity to move on, especially in a rivalry game against Liverpool," Wilbur said. "We were excited to face (Liverpool) again. It's nice to beat our rivals because you're always hoping to get past them every time."
While C-NS had enough in its artillery on offense, the team was still immersed in a defensive battle against Liverpool.
"It was good defenses going against each other," Wilbur said. "Both goalies gobbled up good shots, too."
Wilbur credited senior Emmit Porter, who was 11-of-15 on faceoffs (73%) and also added a goal, for giving the Northstars an upper hand on possessions.
"It made a huge difference," Wilbur said. "Emmit created plenty of offensive opportunities for us. It allowed us to score enough goals and pull ahead. Bottom line, if you have the ball more than the other team, you give yourself a better chance of success on the field."
Quinn Empey tallied two goals and an assist for C-NS. Donovan Chaney chipped in a couple of goals, and Karsen Pritchard provided a goal and an assist. Noah Samphier recorded eight saves in net.
Also for the Northstars, Adrian Sweeney scored and Luke Deinhart provided two assists.
For Liverpool, Christopher Matott led with two goals and an assist. Brady Michaud added a goal and an assist. Goalie Trevor Smith finished with 13 saves.
The Northstars (11-5) move on to face undefeated West Genesee (16-0) in the Class A semifinals on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
