Cretin-Derham Hall vs Eagan
2023 seems to be the year of overtime. Of the 16 section finals games across the girl’s and boy’s divisions, 5 games were settled with extra lacrosse. Of these five overtime games though, it seems the very best was saved for last.
CDH and Eagan faceoff to start the game. Photo: JP Fischer
Thursday night, the Cretin-Derham Hall Raiders (10-6, 6-3) of St. Paul would travel south of the Mississippi to take on the Eagan Wildcats (10-6, 3-4). According to my research, so take that for what you will, it appears these two teams have never played each other. At least not in the last 13 years. Naturally, Section 3 Final with a shot at state of the line seems like the best place to make first impressions.
Prior to this game, CDH, who was awarded the four seed in Section 3, had to battle through a difficult side of the bracket. Taking on a strong fifth seeded East Ridge team in the first round, CDH came out on top in a close game 8-5. The Raiders then took on Section 3 one seed, Woodbury. After an explosive first quarter, CDH found themselves with an 8-3 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Woodbury threw everything they could, bringing the score to 8-7, however CDH held strong and pulled out the win, and clinched their first trip to the Section 3 Final in program history.
Eagan had a smoother run to the Section 3 Final. The Wildcats were awarded the two seed and took on Park of Cottage Grove in the first round. The Wildcats high powered offense took care of business and won that game 22-2. In the semifinal, Eagan took on a strong three seed St. Thomas Academy team, in a rematch from earlier this season. Eagan’s high-powered offense prevailed again though, besting the Cadets 18-10, and clinching a spot in the Section 3 Final for the first time since 2018.
Sam Simon starts a dodge. Photo: JP Fischer
Coming off their impressive upset of the one seed, CDH would carry their momentum, and nab the first goal of the game. Junior Attackman Jack Murphy (2G) would score on an assist from Senior Attackman Louie Bailey (4G, 2A) nearly one minute into the game. Following some back-and-forth action for most of the quarter, Eagan’s Junior Midfielder AJ Clark (1G) would tie the game up with an impressive shot on the run down the alley. The two teams would then trade goals in the final 30 seconds of the first, with CDH’s Louie Bailey getting his first goal of the night in transition, followed by an impressive step-down finish from Eagan’s Griffin Joas (2G, 1A) on an assist from Tyler Husby (1A), knotting the game at 2 a piece after one.
CDH would capture the moment in the second quarter, led by two more goals from Louie Bailey, including an impressive behind the back finish off a wing dodge. Eagan’s Brylee Koenck-Proeung (1G) would get one for Eagan as well, bringing the first half total to 4-3.
Louie Bailey looks to throw a back hand pass. Photo JP Fischer
Eagan would look to take back the energy coming out of the half time break, with Riley Paulus (2G) would score twice in less than two minutes to give Eagan its first lead of the night, 5-4. The teams would then trade goals the rest of the way for the third, giving us a 6-6 tie after three.
The final frame of the game would prove to be the most intense, but not until the final 5 seconds. After more back and forth action, the Raiders would find themselves with an 8-7 lead with less than a minute to go. The Wildcats would have the ball and look to pull out some of the last second magic they have been capable of all season long. After a methodical possession, Eagan unfortunately turned the ball over and CDH looked to clear the ball and seal the win. The Wildcat ride proved to be resilient though and caused a turnover at the midline. Junior midfielder Sam Simon (1G) picked up the groundball for Eagan, and heaved the ball as fast as he could back at the CDH net with less than five seconds remaining. Eddie Kielkopf (17 S) was able to make the initial save, however, the ball popped into the air and Eagan’s Griffin Joas was Johnny-on-the-spot and grabbed the ball and put it into the back of the net with 2 seconds remaining and send the game into overtime.
Overtime would play out very similarly to regulation, with both teams going back and forth. Each coaching staff did a great job of game management, smartly using their timeouts to set up plays for their teams. Despite this, neither team was able to break through, resulting in four overtime game.
After impressive step-down, quick-feed, diving, or behind-the-back shot attempts from both teams, the final blow would come in almost the most textbook way possible. CDH’s freshman midfielder Nate Chorlton (1A) would take a sweep dodge over the top to the left side alley and find Junior midfielder Joey Henningsgard (1G) on the crease, who would finish the play with a smooth bouncer to win the game. It their first Section 3 Final berth, CDH would clinch a spot in the State Tournament for the first time in program history.
CDH celebrates a goal. Photo: JP Fischer
Eagan finishes the season with a record of 10-6, including 3-4 in conference play. Despite starting the season 1-3, the Wildcats would prove to be a strong opponent, coming into the Section 3 Final on a five-game winning streak, including impressive wins over top 10 teams Lakeville North and STA.
CDH improves to 10-6 on the season with a 6-3 conference record. The Raiders, who are only in their tenth year as a program, will be making the trip to the State Tournament for the very first time.
