Summit Comeback Falls Short in Sectional Final

For the first time in five years, the Summit High boys lacrosse team will not be competing for a Group championship.

The top-seeded Hilltoppers suffered a 4-3 loss to No. 2 Chatham Sunday in the North Jersey Group 2 final at Tatlock Field. It's the first time since 2008 Summit has not reached the Group final.

"Our normal defense is not to pressure on D and they played well," Summit coach Jim Davidson said. "We had our opportunities in the first quarter with the man advantage twice but couldn't cash in. Everyone played great and we didn't quit. We laid it on the line at the end and came up just short."

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Final

Chatham (18-4)

2

0

2

0

4

Summit ( 18-3)

1

0

0

2

3

This was a match between two of the top-ranked teams in the state. Summit prevailed during the regular season with a 9-2 win last month.

The Cougars on Sunday used a patient ball-control style and jumped ahead early when Thomas Guida and Joey Ritter scored on the team's first two possessions.

After spotting the Cougars a quick 2-0 lead the Hilltoppers got on the board when Liam Mennig scored at the 6:49 mark of the first quarter.

However, after a scoreless second quarter, Chatham twice in the third quarter to grab a 4-1 advantage on a pair of Sam Carson goals.

Mike Badgley pulled the Hilltoppers to within 4-2 with 7:17 remaining in the game and Matt Maier tallied with 1:34 left, but the comeback fell short.