In a thrilling Division I boys lacrosse semifinal, defending champion St. Xavier edged Upper Arlington 8-7 to advance to the state finals. After jumping to a 5-0 lead, St. Xavier watched as Upper Arlington rallied to tie the game in the final quarter. Ultimately, St. Xavier's strong defense, praised by coach Nate Sprong, held off the talented Golden Bears' offense, securing the win. St. Xavier will face Cleveland St. Ignatius for the title on June 6. This match was particularly emotional for Upper Arlington, who mourn the loss of their legendary former coach Ted Wolford.

By the Numbers
  • St. Xavier started with a 5-0 lead before Upper Arlington tied the game.
  • St. Xavier's Sam Carpenter contributed to a defense that stifled future NCAA talent, despite allowing 7 goals.
State of Play
  • St. Xavier will compete for the championship against Cleveland St. Ignatius on June 6.
  • Upper Arlington ended its season with an 18-4 record.
What's Next

St. Xavier aims to solidify its position as state champions by defeating Cleveland St. Ignatius. The focus will be on maintaining their strong defensive performance and team unity as they prepare for this final matchup.

Bottom Line

St. Xavier's victory showcases the importance of teamwork and resilience in high-stakes situations. As they head into the finals, their ability to maintain composure amidst the pressure will be critical to repeating as champions.