Above – 8th Grader Will Nicklaus scored the OT winner vs STA -All Photos by Lisa Erdmann

By Peter Erdmann Coaches, players, fans always hate a “must win” game, but after stumbling through the first five games of the season to a 2-3 record (complete with 3 OT loss to Hagerty and a heartbreaking one goal loss to St Andrews), tonight’s game between Benjamin and St. Thomas Aquinas may have been a “must” win matchup. Two very talented teams matched up on a perfect evening for top level lacrosse. Both teams were led by their respective standout players, each with recent college commits taking the field. The Benjamin squad played with new found energy and looked to be out there to prove a point: “We’re better than our record says!” The evening turned out to be a back and forth game of one-ups-man-ship, alternating between hard-nosed defensive play and

spectacular goals. Benjamin’s defense was led by senior All-American Jerry O’Connor (Yale) and senior John Dorsett (Gettysburg), senior Danny Borislow, along with strong middie play from Bobby O’Leary and LSM Chris Raso among others. Sophomore Andrew Packer (Maryland) showed up to play, not only taking the majority of Benjamin’s face offs, but also accounted for a team high five points with two crucial goals and three assists. Seniors Ryan Silvester and Jeremy Stauffer both up the ante with two goals apiece, along with Colin O’Hare who had one goal and one assist. The ever stalwart McKenna Johnston (Washington & Lee) and junior Patrick Clancy each contributed goals. After four quarters of intense back and forth play, it all came down to 9-9 as the horn blew. Benjamin has forced yet another overtime game. The atmosphere was overcharged as the two teams took the field for the first 4:00OT period, and it soon erupted into a jubilant celebration when Benjamin’s lone 8th grader on the varsity squad, Will Nicklaus, threw down a strong dodge to the crease giving himself room for an incredible rip sealing the deal at 10-9.