Wave extends win streak to 76
DARIEN — It was a 48- minute heavyweight bout that began in the rain and ended in brilliant sunshine and sweltering humidity.
The Wilton High School boys lacrosse team hit Darien High with everything in its arsenal Saturday.
However, everything wasn’t enough to stop the Blue Wave as Darien displayed its championship mettle to hold off a determined Wilton, 11- 10 in the Class L state quarterfinals.
Despite a plethora of dramatic moments, No. 1 seed Darien remained unbeaten at 21- 0, is still on course to earn its fifth consecutive state title and is the proud owner of a 76- game winning streak.
“I tip my cap to Wilton. They were so driven today. They didn’t want any part of losing,” said Darien’s veteran coach Jeff Brameier. “Wilton dominated faceoffs. But to our credit, we were able to hold on and survive.”
It doesn’t get easier for Darien as the Blue Wave will meet archrival New Canaan in Wednesday’s Class L semifinals at a neutral site. No. 4 seed New Canaan held off No. 12 seed Fairfield Prep 9- 7 on Saturday.
IT TOOK A VILLAGE
The raw feelings from Darien’s 12- 6 regular- season triumph on April 21 as well as from the Blue Wave’s 17- 5 victory over Wilton in the recent FCIAC semifinals were apparent.
It was as physical as a Darien- Wilton football matchup at both ends. Darien’s attack wasn’t able to play at the high speed it wanted. Wilton goalie Andrew Calabrese ( six saves) was solid throughout.
Logan McGovern ( two assists) and Jack Joyce each had three goals as Wilton made stopping Brian Minicus ( one goal, two assists) its highest priority.
“We didn’t capitalize on our chances,” Darien’s Brameier said. “We whiffed on some layups. We were only good offensively in spurts.”
Darien’s defense worked overtime with long poles Matt Gould, Andrew Darby and Charlie Olsen, creating a number of Wilton turnovers.
Blue Wave senior goalie Sean Collins was big- time on the big stage with 11 saves, including a trio of spectacular stops in the third quarter when Darien opened up a 9- 6 edge.
CHASING GLORY
Darien led 11- 6 with 4: 56 to play when Wilton made its final push to create high anxiety in the crowd.
Nolan Quinn ( 3: 30 left), Brian Calabrese ( 2: 27), Quinn ( 2: 04) and Dean DiNanno ( 1: 30) all tallied to make it 11- 10.
Wilton’s Chris Sweeney dominated in the faceoff circle. The Warriors won 15 of 25 faceoffs overall and 10 of 12 in the second half.
But Darien’s senior face- off specialist Tanner Strub won the faceoff with 1: 15 to go, allowing the Blue Wave to run out the clock.
“Our kids fought. They scraped. They won faceoffs. They won ground balls. Sweeney was great. But it took everybody to make this tight contest happen,” said Wilton coach John Wiseman. “I reminded the kids that Wilton was the last team to beat Darien ( 7- 6 on June 1, 2013, in the Class M quarterfinals at Darien HS). We wanted history to repeat itself today. We almost did it again. But Darien withstood the test.”
UNIQUE RECORD
With the win, the 17 seniors on the Darien High roster completed their fouryear high school boys lacrosse careers without losing at home.
“Our seniors leaving this field never losing is a special accomplishment,” Darien’s Brameier said. “It’s hard to beat a good team like Wilton three times in a season. But we live to play another day.”