Some wins mean more than others.
The Rye Boys Lacrosse team clinched their tenth Section 1 championship since 2005 on Wednesday, June 3, defeating Somers 13-9. The Garnets played this game with heavy hearts and used their emotion to fuel their victory over the same team that beat Rye in the finals just one year ago.
“We wanted to win this one for the entire Rye community,” Head Coach Jeremy Guski told MyRye.com. “Our town has been dealing with a tragic loss, and we hope this brings some people a little joy during a very sad time.”
Prior to the first faceoff on Wednesday, a beloved young man in the Rye community named Hamish passed away. Many players and their families on the Garnets were close with Hamish and are with his older brother Jagger. His courageous fight inspired the Garnets to battle Somers tooth and nail, leading to their championship victory.
Will Niejadlik scored four goals and eight points to lead all players. Henry Shoemaker added a 3-3-6 statline for his third 6+ point game of the season. Carson Miller netted a hat trick and Henry Gilroy matched him with two goals and a helper.
“Charlie Brady rounded it out with a goal and assist,” Guski said. “The entire defense made plays whenever their number was called and they played as a locked in unit.”
Rye (14-5, 3-0 postseason) advance to the regional tournament. They will play with a little extra motivation for the rest of their journey towards a state title – as will all the Rye athletic teams still in action.
“We have more work that needs to be done, but this was special,” Guski said.
