Mountain Lakes Lacrosse Claims Championship Amid Family Struggles

EWING — As Ty Plotts took to the field at The College of New Jersey's Lions Stadium, he wore a heartfelt tribute on his jawline: "Mom." The senior long-stick player had additional motivation during the NJSIAA Group 1 lacrosse final on June 12, as his mother, Jennifer Plotts, is currently battling Stage 2 breast cancer and undergoing weekly chemotherapy. The Plotts family, along with the broader New Jersey lacrosse community, united in support of her during this challenging time.

After a hard-fought match, the Mountain Lakes Lakers triumphed over Rumson-Fair Haven with a score of 10-7, marking the team's first championship win since 2022. For the seniors, this victory represented their final opportunity to secure a title. Goalie Bailey Austin, who had previously watched from the sidelines during two consecutive final losses, stepped up with an impressive 13 saves. "I finally got my opportunity, and we got it done," Austin remarked. "You feel that feeling once, and you never want to feel it again. I couldn't imagine feeling it a third time."

Senior Holden Gillespie, who will continue his lacrosse career at Bucknell, led the game with five goals. Meanwhile, senior Logan Fagan, committed to Dartmouth, contributed three crucial fourth-quarter goals that helped fend off Rumson's late rally. With just under six minutes remaining, the Bulldogs closed the gap to a single goal, but Mountain Lakes held firm. "It's something we've been talking about since we were little kids," Gillespie shared. "Coming up short made it that much more special. This is family, and to hoist that gold trophy is something we'll never forget."

Mountain Lakes has established a remarkable legacy, making 13 consecutive appearances in finals since 2013 and achieving a total of 28 championships. With 17 Group titles, they trail only Delbarton among boys' teams. This proud tradition was a significant factor in the Plotts family's decision to move to Boonton Township so Ty could play for Tim Flynn, Mountain Lakes' long-time head coach. In a heartfelt gesture, the school dedicated a practice field to the Flynn family, with Betsy Flynn among the first to congratulate the Lakers following their victory.

The Plotts family has become an integral part of the Mountain Lakes community, with eldest sibling Bailey even tuning in from Hawaii to support the team. "Nothing was keeping me from this game," Jennifer Plotts said, emphasizing her determination to be present despite her treatment. Ty Plotts, who plans to play at St. John's University in New York City, expressed the importance of this win for the younger generation. "This is what they look up to. This is what they live for. They dreamed about this scene right here. The dream finally comes true today."