The Green Level Men’s Lacrosse team has come a long way in the three years since the program’s first year. The first year the team was varsity only with only freshmen and sophomores, their season being cut short by COVID. The second year, the team didn’t have a senior class and made the playoffs for the first time in program history. Now this year has been another year with so many firsts. The first year with a senior class, first senior night, first cross-out cancer game, first playoff win. This year of firsts isn’t over yet with the Gators just finishing up the second round of playoffs.

The Gators defeated the Chapel Hill Tigers in a 12-7 victory on May 5th, furthering their advancement in the playoffs, as well as marking the first playoff win in program history.  The Gators started off with a fast intensity in the first quarter, putting up six goals and only conceding one. Both teams gained and gave up one goal in quarter 2, making the score at halftime 7-2 with The Gators in the lead. However, in quarter 3, the Tigers were able to put up 3 quick goals, while we only managed to score 1, tightening the Gator’s lead to 8-5. Throughout the fourth quarter, the Gators gained four more goals and only gave up 2, ending the game with a solid 12-7 win. 

There were a few players who performed exceptionally well against The Tigers, one of whom being the player of the game, Senior, Zach Mansfield. Mansfield has consistently performed well in big games, with this one being no different. All game, Zach was a ground ball machine as well as having huge takeaway checks multiple times. Another player who deserves an honorable mention is Jackson Spells who was the highest scorer, with 5 points, 4 of which being assists. I asked Zach Mansfield a few questions about the game and the playoffs.

As a senior, this is your last chance to make a statement, what are you most excited about for the postseason?

I’m most excited about winning.

How do you think the team will do throughout the playoffs?

I think we will perform well in the playoffs.

The Gators will travel to Heritage High on Tuesday, May 10th to compete against the Huskies in the 3rd round of playoffs. Good luck Gators!