CARY, N.C. – Cardinal Gibbons jumped in front early, turning up the pressure on Lake Norman in a 7-0 first quarter that saw the Crusaders hold Lake Norman without a shot in the period. The Crusaders went on to win 14-8, hoisting their third straight men's lacrosse championship, and their first at the 4A level. 

The Crusaders poured on the pressure, outshooting Lake Norman 38-27 on the day. They also dominated in the faceoff circle, winning 16 faceoffs of the 20 total on the day. Crusader faceoff man, Trevor Kirsch, was named the game's MVP. He was 16-7 at the faceoff spot. Gibbons on the day was 17-8 in faceoffs for the day. 

Mark Schachte from Gibbons scored four goals on five shots for the Crusaders in his final high school game. Kevin Barry and Jack Shelton each chipped in three goals on the day. Anthony Digirolamo had a pair of goals and Charles Van Dyke and Jack Biestek each added a single goal on the afternoon. 

Lake Norman trailed 8-0 before Jakob Sawicki tallied in the second quarter to break the ice. They added two more in the frame before Cardinal Gibbons scored at the halftime horn to take a 10-3 lead into the break. Sawicki added two more goals on the afternoon for a total of three. Jake Hogan added two late goals for the Wildcats and Duncan Heredia and Blake Lecky both chipped in single goals. 

Wesley Wagner had 12 saves for the Crusaders on the afternoon and was solid in goal all afternoon. Gibbons won the ground ball battle 46-40. 

The replay of the broadcast of this State Championship game will be available through Time Warner Cable's Local On-Demand service (Channel 1020) within the next few days.