Undefeated teams. Rematches from a year ago. Defending state champions looking to extend their season. Turns out there’s plenty of exciting storylines as Section V boys lacrosse readies for championship weekend.
This Saturday at St. John Fisher, eight teams across four classifications will duel for opportunity to extend their seasons and play in the state tournament.
Here’s a look at the matchups:
Class A championship: No. 1 McQuaid vs No. 2 Penfield — 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 30 at St. John Fisher
McQuaid Knights
Penfield Patriots
These two teams have grown awfully familiar with one another. This marks the third consecutive year McQuaid will face Penfield for the Class A section title. The teams have split the previous meetings — McQuaid won 6-4 in 2024 en route to the state title, while Penfield countered with an 11-9 win last year.
The Knights started off the season slow with losses in three of their first five games, but rebounded for their fourth straight double-digit-win season. McQuaid will lean on Jackson Paladino, who’s made 10-plus saves in 13 games this year.
Reaching another section final was the expectation for the Penfield team that returned most of its core from last year’s state semifinalist. The Patriots’ roster features 19 seniors, which suggests experience for the big game shouldn’t be an issue. AJ Theodorakakos and goalie Mason Schembri lead a back end that’s allowing less than seven goals per game.
Class B championship: No. 1 Pittsford vs. No. 2 Victor — 10 a.m. Saturday, May 30 at St. John Fisher
Pittsford Panthers
Victor Blue Devils
This spring has been the year of Pittsford so far. The Panthers are the only unbeaten team remaining in New York state, according to the latest rankings.
Will that continue against the premier program in the region over the last decade? Victor should be battle-tested. The Blue Devils were tied entering the fourth quarter of their quarterfinal win over Irondequoit, and behind to start the fourth of the semifinal game against Hilton.
The faceoff X, an area Victor had a clear advantage in last year’s semifinal, could decide this game. Freshman Keegan Jacob has been a boon at that position for Pittsford, but Victor counterpart Eli Ricci might be Section V’s best at that position.
Class C championship: No. 1 Honeoye Falls-Lima vs. No. 2 Geneva — 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 30 at St. John Fisher
Honeoye Falls-Lima Cougars
Geneva Panthers
This is Honeoye Falls-Lima’s fifth straight appearance in the Class C final, and the Cougars aim for their third consecutive championship.
HFL managed the top seed despite top scorer Grady Goodberlet, an AGR selection last year, missing a handful of games (the dangerous junior is still on the cusp of 50 goals).
Geneva is the oldest program in the area, and the Panthers hope to add to that history with another section title. This is the team’s 16th appearance in the finals, but first since 2019. Prolific duo Ryland Dunham and Jack Dunham will be key to a potential win.
Class D championship: No. 1 Palmyra-Macedon vs. No. 2 Penn Yan — 3 p.m. Saturday, May 30 at St. John Fisher
Pal-Mac Red Raiders
Penn Yan Mustangs
Section V’s gold standard is back in the championship game. Penn Yan, last year’s Class D state champion, is one win away from its section-leading 29th title. The Mustangs ride into the final on a 12-game winning streak, almost all of which were in decisive fashion.
While Penn Yan boasts plenty of sectional experience, the Mustangs are young in the cage. While multiple players have tried their hand there, sophomore Wilson Oliva has settled in as the primary goalie.
This is Pal-Mac’s eighth final appearance, but the game has proven a tough hurdle to overcome at times. That’s especially true against the Mustangs, as the Red Raiders have been outscored 43-16 in the three previous finals matchups between the two teams (all losses). Something to lean on: Pal-Mac’s offense has reached double figures in goals in 17 of the 18 games this season.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Boys lacrosse finals feature undefeated teams, defending champions
Reporting by Justin Ritzel, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
