Mistakes cost Falcons in title game

Peddie’s boys lacrosse team lost to Lawrenceville 16-7.

By: Neil Hay
   It was the biggest game of the year, the finals of the state prep "A" tournament. And the Peddie boys lacrosse team didn’t bring its "A" game.
   "We made too many mistakes," admitted coach Tris Wood after the Falcons had been beaten 16-7 by host Lawrenceville Tuesday afternoon.
   The game was close at first, with the Big Red holding a 2-1 lead. But then Lawrenceville scored four straight goals to take a 6-1 advantage after the first quarter. The Falcons never caught up.
   "It was pretty close. Then they pulled away. The guys were disappointed. They know we didn’t play a good game, and I know we didn’t play a good game. In a game like that you have to play your best game. It’s a difficult time of year, too. In four days it’s graduation, then finals. There’s a lot on their minds."
   Ryan Spitz had two goals for Peddie. Solos were notched by Dave Bauer, Grayson Connors, Joe Vansickle, Mike Cummins and John Kotsinonos. Shots were close, with the Big Red taking 36 to Peddie’s 34. Dave Vafek played three periods in goal, with Ryan Kaiser going the final quarter.
   Lawrenceville was the defending "A" champions and this year’s top seed. Peddie, which was seeking its first state title since 2001, was seeded second.
   With the loss Peddie finished the campaign with a 9-6 record. Said Wood, "I expected to make finals. One of our goals was to get back to finals, and we did. I can’t be too disappointed with that.
   "We have a lot of guys coming back, and some new kids coming in. I am excited about next year."