On Sunday, March 17, the Chagrin Falls men’s lacrosse team defeated the defending state champion Columbus DeSales 6-5.

The Tigers were one of 16 teams who were selected to play in Ohio Machine’s High School Showcase. The event hosts some of Ohio’s best high school lacrosse teams.

In the first-ever matchup between the two, the Tigers came out on top with a last-second goal by junior Cam Owen.

“It felt amazing. This was a very important game for us and I’m glad I was able to contribute,” said Owen.

Along with senior Alex Morris, Owen scored two goals. Senior Griffin Lowe and freshman Fritz Clark also scored a goal a piece.

But the player of the game went to returning All-American senior Otto Bergmann who held DeSales to only five goals in the Tiger’s victory.

“I felt I played well. It’s only the beginning of the season and we’re already looking really good,” said Bergmann.

Only two days earlier the Tigers dominated Western Reserve Academy 20-3 in their home opener.

“Otto is a key part to this team. Having a good goalkeeper helps so much, even when the offense is not very productive we can always rely on him,” said junior Clark Reboul.

The whole team chipped into the victory.

“Although I did play well you got to give credit to the whole team. This was a team effort and I would not have been able to do it without everyone else playing well too,” said Bergmann.

The men’s lacrosse teams set high goals this season and rightfully so after they just defeated the defending state champions.

“The expectation is always set high for us and I don’t think this year will disappoint. The goal is to be state champs, and with our team and how we’ve been playing it’s very possible,” said Owen.