CARY, NC – After a closely contested first quarter, Cardinal Gibbons raced past Ardrey Kell 12-5 in a dominating performance to claim their fourth NHSAA Men’s Lacrosse State Championship. Gibbons controlled most of the possession during the afternoon, thanks to the efforts of Nick Gorman who was 18 for 18 at face-offs. Gorman was named the game MVP.
Cardinal Gibbons struck first in the opening quarter as Will Stock ripped one past the keeper to put the Crusaders up 1-0 after 2:20 of play. The Knights responded with two goals of their own, both scored by Ardrey Kell senior Adam Tibbals. Ardrey Kell’s lead was short lived as the Crusaders added two goals from Will Stock and Joe Torres to go up 3-2 after one quarter.
The Crusaders tacked on five more goals in the second quarter, with Joe Torres and Caden Zadell each scoring twice, and Cole Argay adding his first on the day. Cade Caggiano and Jake Jennings of the Knights added one goal each to keep Ardrey Kell within four at the half, 8-4.
Cardinal Gibbons continued their dominance in the second half, with Caden Zadell adding his third goal on the day and Matt Pancoast, Patrick King, and Trent Orr all getting in on the action. Ardrey Kell’s lone goal of the half came as Ryan Curry cut towards the crease for the Knights final goal of the afternoon.
Ardrey Kell finished the season 19-3 on the year. The Knights had a perfect 6-0 record in conference play and made it to the State Championship Match for the first time in program in history.
Cardinal Gibbons completed the season with an 18-4 record, while staying undefeated in conference play, 12-0. The Crusaders claimed their fourth all-time NCHSAA State Championship, their first since 2016.
*NCHSAA Intern Logan Carter assisted with this report
