CLIFTON PARK — What’s in the past, Shenendehowa junior midfielder Matt Stucchi said, is in the past.
From their own past, that’s what the Plainsmen have learned.
“We know once we get to Mohonasen,” Stucchi said, “anything can happen.”
Mohonasen High School is where all four of this year’s Section II boys’ lacrosse championship games will be played today and Wednesday. The Class A matchup set for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday features top-seeded Shaker and second-seeded Shenendehowa in a rematch of a game earlier this month the Blue Bison convincingly won 13-7.
“It’s gonna take a lot of hunger,” Shenendehowa senior goalie Anthony Tebbano said.
A year ago, Shenendehowa showed it had that and pulled off a much larger upset win at this stage in the season. After falling 18-10 to Niskayuna during the 2016 regular season, Shenendehowa leaned on a pair of its stars to snap the Silver Warriors’ 81-game winning streak against Section II opponents in a 15-14 win at Mohonasen. Stucchi scored seven goals in that championship game, while Tebbano made 27 saves.
Those Shenendehowa stars were up to their clutch ways in this past Friday’s semifinal against Guilderland. Tebbano made a dozen saves and a game-winning stop in the final seconds, while Stucchi’s second goal was the final score in the Plainsmen’s 9-8 win. Similarly, Shaker won Friday in heart-pounding fashion. The Blue Bison topped Bethlehem 5-4 in a triple-overtime matchup, with a game-winning goal from junior Luke Julien.
Stucchi said the goal for each team at this point in the season goes beyond winning. It’s about keeping a group together for as long as possible and extending the high school careers of upperclassmen.
“We know we’re fighting for practice time together,” Stucchi said. “You know, keep the boys around, keep these seniors in it.”
Here is a breakdown of Section II’s other three upcoming boys’ lacrosse championship games.
CLASS B
Who’s playing
No. 1 Niskayuna and No. 3 Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake.
When’s the game
Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.
What to know
The Silver Warriors, ranked fourth in the state, are seeking their 15th overall sectional title and fifth in the last six years.
CLASS C
Who’s playing
No. 1 Glens Falls and No. 2 Scotia-Glenville.
When’s the game
Wednesday, 5 p.m.
What to know
Glens Falls topped Scotia-Glenville in both regular-season meetings between the teams, but the second Indians win (14-10) was a much closer game than the first meeting (16-5).
CLASS D
Who’s playing
No. 1 Greenwich and No. 2 Cambridge.
When’s the game
Tuesday, 5 p.m.
What to know
This year is the first with a Class D for boys’ lacrosse.
Reach Gazette Sportswriter Michael Kelly at 395-3109, [email protected] or @ByMichaelKelly on Twitter.
Categories: -Sports-, High School Sports
