A decisive run by third-seeded Canyon late in the game ended sixth-seeded Cate’s boys lacrosse season Tuesday in a hard-fought, physical 16-14 loss in the CIF D3 quarterfinals.
In front of a standing-room-only home crowd, the Rams jumped out to an early 7-1 lead with goals from Johnny Foster, Wade Nieman, Oscar Livingston and Cody Mast. The Comanches fought back, and Cate led 8-7 at the half.
The second half, Rams coach Wade Ransom said, “looked like a heavyweight title fight with each team trading haymakers.” Defensive play by Cate’s Jack Whelan, Kristian Scurtis and Caden Fuchs continued to force turnovers, while midfield of Mast, Ethan Rehnborg and Zaq Asuamah scooped up several ground balls.
Rams goalie Burak Yanar made several outstanding saves, helping Cate keep a narrow one-goal lead into the fourth quarter. But with eight minutes to go, Canyon went on a decisive run, scoring five goals in four minutes. With 15 seconds to go, Cate scored once more to make the final score 16-14.
Mast led the Rams with six goals and two assists. Nieman added three goals, Livingston and Harry McAdam had two goals apiece, with McAdam adding three assists and Livingston one, and Johnny Foster scored a goal to go with two assists.
“This was an amazing game to be a part of,” Ransom said. “Despite the fact the end result didn’t go our way, I could not be more proud of the effort of the young men on the field today.
“Our team has been battling sickness and injury, and those players could have packed it in a few weeks ago. Instead we battled, and continued to battle to the final whistle today.”
Livingston and Nieman could barely stand by the end of it, and “I know the entire team left it all on the field today,” Ransom said.
“Even once we fell behind for the first time, we battled back to tie the game late. That is evidence of our team culture and resolve.This is one of the most cohesive groups I have ever had the privilege to coach.
“I am proud of how much growth we demonstrated this season. Despite the sting of the loss, the coaching staff could not be more impressed with this group .They played the game the right way and have shown all of our younger players what it means to be part of the Cate Lacrosse program.”
Cate’s season ends with a 10-2 record overall, after winning the Channel League title with a 7-1 record.