Viking Lacrosse to the Championship!

 Coming into the 2023 season, the Vikings lacrosse team had many questions to be answered. Losing a vital member of their team captain Tristian Nava (C/O 2022) the boys needed to replace his overwhelming goal contributions of 1.8 a game. In addition to that, losing ten other seniors felt like a gut punch to the Vikings new season hopes. Although the lax boys maintained their confidence throughout the process, and having been moved down a division for no apparent reason, the boys looked to capitalize. In their first test of the season, the Vikings had a prep school giant come to town, Chaminade. The Vikings clamored their way to a victory, captivating the crowd as Joaquin Nava (C/O 2023) scored a golden goal winner in double overtime. After this the Vikings split wins and losses and went into league at 5-5. In league however the Vikings laid claim to a perfect record as Ocean league champs at 6-0 and during that time they surmounted a 2-1 record out of league bringing their overall record to 13-6 going into playoffs. 

Via/SamoLacrosse IG

In the Playoffs, the Vikings earned a top seed bye, then walked through their first two opponents in the playoffs like it was nothing, giving them a Semifinal matchup with the King (Martin Luther King High School in Riverside) Wolves. The Wolves and Vikings shared one common opponent as King too had knocked off Chaminade. In the match things were feisty from the start as a large group of students crowded around to watch the much anticipated matchup. King led the scoring early as number 33 slotted in a nice shot and pointed at the crowd. However, the Vikings soon turned things around and at the half, the Vikings led 2-1. 


After the half however the things seemed to not be going the Vikings way as they found themselves in a late hole as King were up 5-4 in the back and forth chippy game. King agonizingly close to pulling off the upset we’re stopped by a late heroic goal by the Vikings forcing an overtime period. In overtime, the rule is golden goal, so it’s first score wins. In the frantic rush that this creates, both teams pounced with attacking minded offense, but the Vikings were the ones who scored as Pierce Nevell (C/O 2023) scored the late winner, turning the field into a frenzy as all the fans stormed the field. The boys rejoiced in their late victory, lengthening their season to a Cif-SS championship game.

Via/SamoLacrosse IG

The Vikings this season have thrived in these last second pressure filled environments, as they have attained a  3-0 record in Overtime periods, which will be a key for them to maintain in the pressure filled championship in Downey on Saturday. From everyone here at the SamoSportsBlog, we send our best of luck to the studs setting out to become the first Cif champions in lacrosse in school history! Samo 6 - MLK 5 OT/Final.

By Theo Dowling




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