Gonzaga’s Road to the Playoffs

The regular season has finally come to a close for the Gonzaga Eagles. The DC boys’ successful campaign ended with a 16-2 season, putting them in 2^nd place in the DigitalSports National Lacrosse Ranking and 1^st in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC). With league championships in 2010, 2011, and 2012, Gonzaga entered the season as the front runner in their conference and a top contender in the nation.

The Eagles got off to a sluggish start after dropping two of their first five games to top ranked Boys’ Latin and 5^th ranked Hill Academy. After that, Gonzaga finished the season with 13 consecutive victories. In that stretch, Gonzaga defeated top ranked teams including McDonogh, Georgetown Prep, and Landon School.

Throughout the year, the Eagles displayed elite talent on both sides of the ball. Their offense performed exceptionally all year, scoring ten or more goals in ten of their 18 games. Defensively, Gonzaga locked down their opponents, only allowing one team, 1^st ranked Boys’ Latin, to score in the double digits.

Now, Gonzaga sits on top of the WCAC. Playoffs begin today with Bishop McNamara playing Bishop Ireton to break the tie and decide who wins the eight seed spot. The winner of that game faces off against Gonzaga tomorrow, April 7^th, in the quarterfinal. Gonzaga faired quite well in their encounters with both squads during the season, defeating Bishop McNamara 19-0 and Ireton 19-1.

If the Eagles make it passed that game, they enter the semifinals. Other strong contenders in the WCAC include 30^th ranked Paul VI and St. John’s. Gonzaga defeated both teams this season, overpowering Paul VI 12-6 and St John’s 16-7.

Entering the playoffs undefeated in their league, Gonzaga looks to use the momentum of 13 consecutive wins to power their way through the playoffs. By continuing their excellent play both offensively and defensively, the Eagles stand a strong chance of winning their fourth consecutive league championship.