Shawnee falls to Ridgewood in state lacrosse final

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. - When it was over, Shawnee's seniors took one last lap.

They circled the lacrosse field for the final time after an 11-6 loss to Ridgewood yesterday in the Group 3 state championship game.

"A lot of us have been together for a long time," Shawnee said Max Peezick said. "We kept going higher and higher."

Ridgewood (16-6) won its second consecutive state title as senior midfielders Sam Muller and Ryan Polack each scored four goals and senior goalie Brad Macnee made seven saves.

Senior Chris LaPierre collected two goals and two assists in his final game for Shawnee (18-4).

"A lot of things went their way," LaPierre said.

Ridgewood broke to a 3-0 lead in the first six minutes. Shawnee closed within 3-1 and 4-2 on goals by LaPierre, but Ridgewood answered every time.

"When it looked like we would crawl back in, they would gap us again," Shawnee coach Tim Gushue said. "We got beat by a better team."

Shawnee's 13 seniors were part of a program that gained state-wide respectability during their four years. Yesterday's game at Basking Ridge marked the Renegades' first state final.

"I'm sad for our seniors," Gushue said. "They set a standard. I hope our younger players were paying attention."

Shawnee 1 1 2 2 - 6

Ridgewood 4 2 2 3 - 11

Goals: S-Chris LaPierre 2, Matt Munger, Dillon Lucas, Kody Smith, Max Peezick. R-Sam Muller 4, Ryan Polack 4, Sam Diss, Mike Giordano, Matt Zacaroli.

Saves: S-Jim Valentine, 8; R-Brad Macnee, 7.