Rams Boys Lax Trots into FCIAC Final

St. Joseph had their eyes on another upset, coming off a win over top seed Staples, but the Rams boys lacrosse team outplayed the Cadets in every department Tuesday in the FCIAC semis at Brien McMahon High School. The Rams take the 11-3 win into the championship game against Greenwich (who beat Darien in 8-7 in the other semi) Friday.

"We got terrific goaltending (Tom Carey went all the way), our midis have been terrific and our defense, very strong," co-captain Sam Stanton said.

The New Canaan scoring didn't come in bunches or in runs—instead the goals were spread out, with two in the first period, three in the second, three more in the third and three again in the fourth.

Oliver Norton led it off three minutes after the opening faceoff. With St. Joseph in a zone defense, the Rams were content to be patient and not rush things. But with just over one minute left in the first quarter they found some room and Scott O'Brien nailed one for a goal and a 2-0 lead.

The Rams were winning faceoffs with Ron Balzano constantly giving his team the advantage.

"It gives our team the opportunity to eat up time and not rush," Balazano said.

It was 2-0 after one with the Rams controlling play. Ian Knechtel was outstanding on ground balls, scooping up three in the first quarter as the Rams came up with eight to the Cadets two.

The Rams opened the second period with some outstanding ball movement which resulted in a Patrick Ryan score with a helper from O'Brien. Sam Stanton made it 4-0 midway through the quarter.

Bob Ciotti put the Cadets on the board to make it 4-1, but Norton, who had four goals in the first half, scored his second for a 5-1 lead with 31 seconds remaining before the break.

It was more of the same in the second half. Cody Newton scored to open the third quarter with two Cadets hanging on him, then it was Norton again for his third goal on a perfectly executed play that started with Balzano with the ball at midfield.

St. Joseph got a goal, but soon after, Sam Stanton scored unassisted to end the quarter at 8-2.

Three more Rams goals in the fourth from Norton, Joe Costigan and Newton made it 11-2. A final Cadets goal made it 11-3 at the horn.