By LESLEY GRAHAM
The Ocean City boys lacrosse team defeated visiting rival Mainland 17-4 while celebrating the senior class in front of a hometown crowd.
The win raised the Red Raiders record to 10-5, with a perfect 6-0 conference slate. Mainland dropped to 7-7 (7-5 in conference).
Ocean City senior Jake Schneider had an extra special senior night, scoring both his 100th career goal and 100th career assist, finishing the night with three goals and five assists to lead all scorers.
The Red Raiders got out to a quick start, scoring within the first minute of the game and never taking their foot off the gas.
At the end of the first quarter, Ocean City had a 6-0 lead, which was extended to 15-2 at halftime.
During the half, the team celebrated their senior class for their accomplishments over the past four years.
The coaching staff credited the senior class with laying the foundation for the current and future success of Ocean City lacrosse.
“We have a great group of guys who have dedicated themselves to this program and you can see it in the success we have had. Jake Inserra, Brady Rauner and Dan Reeves are three seniors who have been key parts of the team, playing together on varsity since freshman year,” said Head Coach Joe Latorre.
As the second half progressed, both teams traded a goal a quarter to close out the game 17-4.
Latorre, who is in his eighth season at the helm, has challenged his team all season to rewrite the history books for Ocean City boys lacrosse.
“We have challenged the guys to win the first ever Group 3 South Jersey championship this season and feel good about our prospects. With big wins over perennial powers Moorestown and Monroe, the team has bought into what it is we are trying to accomplish,” Latorre said after the game.
Ocean City is back in action on May 28 to take on Lenape in a nonconference match-up.
The Red Raiders carry the No. 1 seed in the South Jersey Group 3 state tournament, where they will play the winner of Northern Burlington and Brick Township in the quarterfinals at home on June 3.
