WolfPack varsity lacrosse added to the championship sports legacy of Whitefield Academy by defeating the Holy Innocents Bears 9-5 Friday night to win the first ever Class A tournament and championship.
The win avenged an overtime loss to the Bears in the last game of the regular season and propels the team into the GHSA tournament.
The Pack rallied from a 4-3 halftime deficit by scoring five unanswered goals from just before the half and in the third quarter. The defense, which has been strong all year, held to Bears to just one fourth quarter goal in a dominating second half by the Pack on offense and defense.
Senior Preston Blair (3 goals, 1 assist), senior Dallas Darling (3 goals, 1 assist), and senior Max Rieves (4 assists) led the Pack on offense followed by sophomore David Ballew (2 goals), junior Alex Manning (1 goal), junior Justin Brendel (1 assist), and sophomore Marcus Jones (1 assist).
Senior goalie Matt Milburn, defensemen senior Chris Washington, senior Brennan Saul, sophomore Sky Dupree, and sophomore Liam Virrill, along with all the midfielders, were outstanding to hold the Bears team five goals. In the last game against Whitefield, the Bears scored 12 goals.
Although the game was played at Pace's Riverwood complex, the Pack enjoyed a “home field advantage” with the huge turnout by Whitefield fans. It was an exciting game and everyone celebrated on the field with the team afterwards. The team appreciates the continued support of the students and families.
Chris, Dallas, Alex, and Sky were voted by the coaches of the participating teams as part of the all-tournament team. Matt Milburn was voted the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament.
With the win the Pack is ranked #6 in the state and will play #5 Blessed Trinity Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in the first round of 16 of the GHSA state lacrosse tournament. Go Pack!