Delbarton Triumphs Over Seton Hall Prep to Claim Lacrosse Championship

UNION — Christian Trocyznski had a clear objective as Delbarton took the field at Kean University's Alumni Stadium on June 9. He and his fellow seniors were determined to avoid being the first class in over two decades to graduate without a championship ring. Delbarton secured that much-desired title by narrowly defeating their long-time rivals, Seton Hall Prep, with a score of 8-7 in the NJSIAA Non-Public final.

Though this match didn’t reach the dramatic heights of the previous year’s three-overtime thriller, the Pirates came agonizingly close to victory. Senior Owen Dunleavy made a late push, scoring twice in the last 1:15 of the game. However, the Delbarton players celebrated joyously as they raced toward their supporters, climbing up to greet their classmates with cheers.

As the sun dipped below the horizon at Alumni Stadium, the Green Wave gathered their gear and headed to the bus. "We came out here and got it done," Trocyznski remarked, who is set to play at Cornell University next year. "The moment was a little bigger than I expected. I love this team. I love Delbarton lacrosse. There's no better way to go out."

Earlier in the season, Delbarton had suffered a 9-7 defeat to Seton Hall Prep during the Fitch-Pitt game on April 18, and the Pirates entered the final as the reigning Non-Public champions. But none of that mattered once the game commenced. Senior Chase Houser was pivotal for Delbarton, scoring two goals and providing an assist. Other contributors included seniors Pierce Bolger, Gus Cummings, and Jack Sheridan, along with juniors Jesse DeNegri and Brody Cozic. For Seton Hall Prep, junior Jack Merklinger led the offense with one goal and two assists, including one to his younger brother, Drew.

Reflecting on the victory, Houser stated, "It's an unreal feeling. I prayed for games like this. (The early loss) definitely benefited us. It put a little chip on our shoulders. It's one thing when you know you're the better team. But you have to prove it on the field."