SILVER SPRING — In the playoffs, when it’s win or go home, sometimes simplicity is the key.
For Liberty boys lacrosse, a goal as simple as keeping the penalties to a minimum was the difference. Not only was Friday night’s 14-8 win over Perryville in the Class 1A state semifinals perhaps the Lions’ most complete game, but by far their cleanest.
“Today was just one of those days,” Liberty coach Steve Fabian said. “We kept the penalties down and put it all together.”
The only penalty Liberty committed came with six minutes left in the game when the Lions already enjoyed a six-goal lead.
Liberty will try to dethrone defending state champion Fallston in the 1A state title game at a day and time to be announced.
Armed with all their players for the full 48 minutes, the Lions’ firepower was on display early as they blitzed the Panthers for four quick goals to start the game.
“We looked great on offense,” Liberty’s Connor Hatfield said. “Guys were just flying around, making the right passes and moving the ball.”
The senior finished with four goals as the Lions’ perfect mix of youth and experience took control early.
For Fabian, it was his young guys stepping up in the big moment. Unfazed by the bright lights and big stage, freshman Ethan Carpenetti scored in the second quarter and he was quickly joined in the scoring column by fellow freshman Matthew Brandel after he took on and beat two Perryville defenders for a beautiful goal of his own.
“We’re running our offense at a little higher pace than we’ve had in the past,” Fabian said. “The boys are finally getting the concepts down and they’ve been on fire.”
During times when the Panthers threatened a comeback, Fabian’s veteran leadership stepped in and shut the door. Hatfield, Nico Marsicano, Mason Ambrose and other veterans would quickly step in and refocus the team.
“Our seniors have done a phenomenal job at keeping the team together and focused on what it is we’re trying to do,” Fabian said.
Not only were his seniors vocal leaders, but they backed it up with some key plays as the Lions’ dominance continued into the second half after taking an 8-4 halftime lead.
Whenever there was a lose ball, it was Marsicano serving as the workhorse, hustling and defending top Perryville scoring threats with no fear. The ball often found veteran Riley Wicklein, who unselfishly knew exactly what to do with it as he started fast breaks and found his open teammates, finishing with five assists.
“I was proud of the way we played,” Hatfield said. “Everyone came out tonight and gave it their all.”
Finishing the game on a 6-4 run, the Lions comfortably advanced to the Class 1A state championship game. Now just one win away from history, the Lions look to take that mixture of veteran leadership, young talent and team discipline all the way to Stevenson University. Only Fallston stands between them and immortality.
“The boys are pumped,” Fabian said with tears in his eyes as he looked at his players celebrating with their families. “We’re going to the state championship.”
Liberty — 4 4 5 1 — 14
Perryville — 2 2 2 2 — 8
Goals: L — Connor Hatfield (4), Vincent Downey (3), Riley Wicklein (2), Samuel Clarke, Ethan Addison, Ethan Carpenetti, Nico Marsicano, Matthew Brandel ; P — Joey Eggerling (2), Nick Howes (2), Finn Tome, Grayson Ittner, Aiden Gatch, Isaiah Ringgold. Assists: L— Riley Wicklein (5), Ethan Carpenetti (2), Matt Brandel; P — Rowan Gatch, Grayson Ittner
